Ed Jasper ⋅ Salem, VA Munters ⋅ 25 years experience

Erica
This is always a tough question, but let me give you a few ideas to try.
While you did not state it, I will assume the positions are internal to the university you are working at. If that is a bad assumption, there are a couple of other approaches that are similar to the ideas below you can try.

Ask for Feedback - If these are internal jobs you are applying for, it is completely acceptable to reach out to the person that interviewed you and ask them for some feedback. I would ask to set up a face to face meeting if possible, but a phone call at a minimum instead of via email. I would be prepared to ask them these few questions
- What feedback can you give me about my interview that would help me improve my chances for the next opportunity?
- What feedback can you give me about my experience, education, or skills that would help me improve my chances for the next opportunity?

Practice - Have you tried to practice interviewing with anyone prior to going on an interview? If you have not, I would ask a manager you trust to help you prepare by asking you questions that you might have during a real interview. You would be surprised how much a little practice helps in calming your nerves, putting answers into a easily understood format, and making the interview feel more like a conversation. If you can practice with more than one manager, that would be the best approach.

Follow Up - There are a lot of ways to follow up after an interview, and while a hand written note is always nice, sometimes internally an email can be just as effective. Make the follow up to each person you interviewed personal, recall something you learned or were excited about, and if you want the position, it is appropriate the tell them. Some people may find that too forward, but it can be the difference in being offered the position or not.

If these are external positions you are applying for, all three of these would still apply, but you may want to temper the "ask for feedback" to just one person you interviewed with. They may not be willing to do it, but you never know about the willingness until you ask.

Remember every time you interview you have the chance to expand your network and while that job may not work out, there is a chance that they remember you for the next opportunity.

Good luck on the hunt for your next position. Hope these suggestions are helpful.
Message me if you have questions, Thanks for your service - Ed

Glenn Holmes ⋅ Yorktown Heights, NY IBM ⋅ 38 years experience

Hi Erica, I have some suggestions, but you may no longer have a need. Please let me know if you want to discuss.

Jeff Martin ⋅ Ashburn, VA The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ⋅ 25 years experience

I agree with the suggestion to practice interviewing. Most people rarely go through an interview and are not well skilled in the different techniques and nuances of that meeting. Look for people who are managers and experienced interviewers and ask them to help you practice. Best of luck to you.