Have you wished after an interview you would have given a different answer, a better example in describing your results? If so, you are not alone. Engineers are born problem solvers with an inquisitive mind analyzing why things work and an interest in making them better.

An interview is the pinnacle of a job search, and everything done prior leads up to the face-to-face conversation with an employer; it's the No. 1 meeting that determines the next steps.

Making the interviewing process less intimidating for those who prefer to work in the background is a crucial step in leading to a job offer.

Even though engineering is a growing field, job candidates need to interview well, and analyzing ways to improve is a good habit. Some areas of rejection include poor appearance, inability to talk about contributions, lack of communication skills, managing expectations, and failure to ask questions and express interest.

While most engineering job candidates understand the need to prepare for an interview ahead of time, many leave the post-interview self-evaluation behind. Why? Because most tend to measure their success based on a recollection of mental notes.

Conducting a post-interview evaluation doesn't have to be a lengthy process and can be done in less than 30 minutes.

How do you conduct a good post evaluation of your interview? Recording your thoughts and reactions instead of relying on mental notes. Write down questions you answered well and those that need more refining. Pay attention to reactions no matter how insignificant they mean seem, make note of office tours and those you meet.

Use these areas as guidelines for a post-interview evaluation:

Overal questions, and questions of concern from the interviewer.

Where do you need to conduct more research?

Where you specific enough in your answers?

Did you over focus on your skills versus telling about your contributions and results?

Who did the interview?

Did you ask for the job?

What are the next steps?

What concerns do you have about culture fit, duties, growth?

What questions caused you the most trouble?

What were non-verbal cues?

The benefits you get from the information can help you write a more effective follow-up letter, prepare for additional interviews, confirm your interest in the company and help you discover what it takes to be a candidate of choice.
