10 tips to follow after your psychology job interview
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking experiences. But your journey doesn't end when you turn off the video call or walk out the interview room.
The post-interview phase is just as important as preparing for the interview. You can assess your performance, improving your prospects and maintaining motivation throughout your search for your dream job in psychology.
We've compiled a list of ten post-job interview tips to help you navigate the time straight after your interview.
1. Reflect and assess
Take time to reflect on your interview performance. Consider your verbal responses, body language, tone of voice and overall demeanour.
Analyse the rapport established with the interviewers and how you handled unexpected questions. These self-reflection techniques can help you gain valuable insights into your strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Take note of unexpected questions
Jot down any questions that caught you off guard or left you stumbling.
Did you find yourself struggling to explain your last clinical psychologist role or the research you carried out to boost performance in sports?
Identifying these areas can help you tailor your future preparation to address them more effectively.
3. Craft more creative answers
Armed with your list of common interview questions, work on creating more refined and confident responses.
Consider visualisation techniques where you vividly imagine yourself answering questions with poise and confidence. Practise with a friend or in front of a mirror to improve your delivery.
4. Express gratitude
Send a genuine thank-you email to the hiring manager. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to interview and reiterate your enthusiasm for the position.
The psychology of gratitude suggests that showing appreciation can create positive feelings and leave a favourable impression.
5. Share supporting documents
If the interview discussions sparked a request for references, links to your research or work samples, provide them promptly.
This shows your organisational skills and eagerness for the role. Additionally, this proactive approach can leave a positive impression on the interviewers.
6. Continue the job hunt
Even after a seemingly promising interview, keep up your job search to find your next job in psychology.
The job search process can be challenging, and consistency and resilience are important. See some pointers on how to make your job search easier.
7. Practice self-compassion
If an interview didn't go as planned, remember that setbacks are part of the journey.
Treat yourself kindly and practise self-compassion. Use the experience as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than dwelling on perceived failures.
8. Learn from rejections
If you receive a rejection, view it as an opportunity for growth.
Analyse feedback by the organisation or interviewer. You could also seek advice from mentors or career counsellors to improve your approach for future interviews.
9. Network with psychology professionals
Engage with others in the psychology profession by connecting with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn.
Use rapport-building techniques like active listening and finding common interests to establish genuine connections.
10. Embrace growth mindset
Adopt a growth mindset – embrace challenges, learn from failures and believe in your ability to improve.
Your post-interview journey is a continuous process of growth and discovery. Embracing a growth mindset can help you stay resilient, motivated and open to new opportunities.
Good luck finding your job in psychology
The interview is just one step in your career journey. Applying these post-interview tips can empower you to refine your approach, maintain motivation and eventually land that dream job in psychology. Stay resilient and consistent and success will follow.