Review YourPerformance
A job interview is just like any mission—no matter how well you did, there are always some areas you can improve. And just like a mission, when it’s over, the military practice of performing After-Action Reviews (AARs) can be helpful. Here are some AAR principles you can use when critiquing your performance.
The Sooner the Better
The best time to give yourself an AAR is immediately after the interview is over. Write down any interview questions you found difficult and jot any notes you have about areas you think you can improve on for next time.
Critique Your Preparation Too
Talk to fellow veterans on LinkedIn about who is hiring, and then hit job boards to canvass those companies’ listings. Employees who are veterans can also give you an HR person’s name if a job board doesn’t list it. Plug that name into your cover letter so it won’t go into a black hole.
Take the Good With the Bad
Be sure to give yourself props for what you did well. This will help you “sustain” your good habits while you work to improve your bad ones.
Request Feedback
It’s OK to contact the interviewing manager to request feedback even if you don’t get the job. Tell the person that you’re motivated to be a part of their team, and ask for their opinion on how you can do better.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
When in doubt, give yourself the benefit of the doubt. Putting pressure on yourself to be perfect will be counterproductive.
Use What You’ve Learned
Every successful AAR shares one single quality: The information that was gained was actually used to improve future performance.
