SEC 10 - Managing Interview Expectations

You've just uploaded your resume for a job opening, or you've just exited a great interview.  Now what?

Carol Ventresca, Executive Director at Employment For Seniors, talks with David Taylor, an Employment For Seniors' volunteer counselor, about managing your interview expectations.

1) My Resume/online application goes into cyberspace

• Confirmation of your resume/application is a courtesy not a requirement. While it is a good practice, the employer may not have the resources or technology to confirm receipt of every resume/ application.

• If you have (or can get) contact information, it is ok to follow up to confirm receipt.  

2) I met the requirements of the job description but did not get an interview.

• Job descriptions are often used in job postings to attract qualified candidates because they meet the legally required notifications about the job and can be used to measure performance in the role.

• A well written job description describes the duties of the position along with the necessary skills and experience needed to be successful in the role and often used to weed out unqualified candidates.

• Base your interview preparation on being successful in the job and adding value to the organization, not just that you have performed the job duties in the past.

3) After an interview no ones gets back to me.

• It is a reasonable expectation to receive some kind of notification regarding the outcome of the interview but it is important to understand the interview experience is heavily influenced by the interviewers skills and experience.

• It is a common practice for the interviewer to provide an update/result to the candidate if there was an interview, but it is not a requirement. A more seasoned interviewer realizes the value of this practice while someone new to interviewing would be on a learning curve.

• If you do not hear back from the hiring company it would indicate you are not being selected to continue through the process or you weren’t selected for the position. As a candidate, if absolute closure is necessary, following up with the interviewer is an acceptable practice.

4) I didn't get the job and I don't know why. Know one will tell me what I did wrong.

• It is a natural reaction for a candidate to question his or her performance throughout the interview process if another candidate is selected.

• If you are going to revisiting your performance avoid preconceived notions like your age played a factor.

• Recognize other possible factor that could have influenced the outcome like an internal hire, preference for candidates from a company employee referral program, a candidate with a strong recommendation from a company executive, etc.

• Adjust your expectations. Providing feedback or an explanation why you weren’t selected is outside the scope of an interviewer’s responsibility.

5) What is the proper response to being told another candidate was selected?

• Resist the urge to question the decision or desire to receive an explanation. While it is not the news you were hoping for, the best response is a professional and gracious response. The company could retain your information and may consider you for future opportunities or refer you to other recruiters.

6) Are Job Fairs still relevant in today’s technology driven environment?

• Job fairs still play an important role in today’s job search. Exposure to hiring companies can open doors to opportunities you may have missed. It is a great opportunity to make a face to face first impression. It is a great place to network with hiring companies and improve your interviewing skills. Promote a multiple venue job search approach.

Conclusion -

a. Companies approach recruiting differently and have different abilities, time, priorities, and resources dedicated to recruiting.

b. Do your research to determine the employment culture of a company set realistic interview expectations.

c. Don’t draw conclusions about the hiring decision or make assumptions about your interview performance.

The Successful Encore Career is a service of Employment For Seniors, and sponsored by Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, and Nationwide Insurance.

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