Giving Constructive Feedback
At a graduate level, with limited interview experience, feedback is absolutely crucial to better understand what employers are looking for. Not enough candidates ask for it, for fear of hearing something they might not like. Take out of feedback what YOU feel is relevant. Regardless, its all worth hearing and might help to improve your techniques for future interviews.
ProGrad offer feedback at several points to our candidates:
1) Following a ProGrad Assessment Day: Whilst it can be very detailed feedback, it is always worth asking for. We will be happy to discuss the exercises completed, and make recommendations for future assessment sessions which might be of value to you.
2) Following interviews: This will be slightly more difficult as it is dependant on the feedback we’re given from employers. That said, we always encourage total honesty from our clients. Whether the interview was good, bad or ugly – we like to know about it. We are happy to provide this feedback also on request
3) Once employment/ training as commenced: ProGrad are happy to provide this feedback also upon request, and we recommend getting proactive with it. Ask your boss directly for feedback about your first week and month. How did you perform? What else would they like to see from you? How else can you improve?
Giving honest feedback will always be tricky, as it is human nature to not want to offend someone. That said, it is the only way we can learn during the interview process and we need to be ready to take some comments which we might not necessarily agree with. Regardless, the experience will have helped you grow and develop in some way, the feedback is simply the icing on the cake.
Davinia
ProGrad is a graduate assessment, placement and training company. To be considered for any of our roles, please contact our team on 02 8235 8300. Or you can visit our website on www.prograd.com.au