Introduction

Before we begin, it's essential to understand the purpose of an interview notes template. It's not just about jotting down what the interviewer says; it's about organizing and structuring the information in a way that's meaningful and actionable. A good template should be easy to read and refer to later, and it should help you focus on the most critical aspects of the interview.

Setting Up Your Template

The first step in creating an interview notes template is to set it up in a way that works best for you. This may involve deciding on the format, layout, and overall structure of your template. Consider what information you need to capture and how you'll organize it. Some popular formats include bullet points, tables, and outlines.

Identifying Key Information

During the interview, it's essential to identify the key pieces of information that will help you understand the position and the company. This may include the company's mission and values, the responsibilities of the role, and the qualifications required. Make sure to note any specific projects or initiatives that are mentioned, as well as any information about the team or department you'll be working with.

Recording Behavioural Questions

Behavioural questions are a common interview tactic, and they're designed to assess how you handle specific situations. These types of questions often begin with phrases like "Tell me about a time when..." or "Give an example of...". When answering these questions, it's essential to provide a clear and specific example. Make sure to note the question, your response, and any follow-up questions or comments from the interviewer.

Tracking Logistics

In addition to the information discussed during the interview, it's essential to track logistics such as the date, time, and location of the interview, as well as the names and titles of the people you spoke with. Make sure to note any follow-up steps, such as sending a thank-you note or scheduling a second interview.

Assessing Your Fit

After the interview, it's important to assess how well you fit with the company and the position. Consider the company culture and values, the team dynamics, and the responsibilities of the role. Make note of any red flags or areas of concern, as well as any positives that stand out.

Reflecting on Your Performance

Reflect on your performance during the interview, and make note of any areas where you could have done better. Consider how you answered certain questions, how you presented yourself, and how you engaged with the interviewer. Use this information to improve your interview skills for future opportunities.

Preparing for Follow-Up

Before leaving the interview, make sure to ask about next steps and the timeline for a decision. Make note of any follow-up steps you need to take, such as sending a thank-you note or scheduling a second interview. Use your interview notes to prepare for these next steps and ensure that you're well-positioned to move forward in the process.

Researching the Company

Before the interview, it's essential to research the company and the position to gain a better understanding of what they're looking for and how you can demonstrate your qualifications. Make note of any specific information or statistics that you can use to bolster your case during the interview. Also, make note of any recent news or developments within the company.

Identifying Areas of Interest

During the interview, make note of any areas of the company or the position that particularly interest you. This could be a specific project, a team, or a specific aspect of the role. Use this information to ask relevant and engaging questions, and to demonstrate your passion for the position.

Making Connections

Interviews are also an opportunity to make connections with people within the company. Make note of the names and titles of the people you spoke with, and consider how you might be able to maintain contact or network with them in the future.

Preparing for a Second Interview

If you're asked to come back for a second interview, make sure to review your notes from the first interview and prepare accordingly. Use your notes to identify areas where you can expand upon your qualifications or provide more detail. Be ready to ask more in-depth questions and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.

Conclusion

An interview notes template is a valuable tool for any job seeker. By following the guidelines outlined in this blog post, you can create a template that will help you prepare for interviews, focus on the most critical information, and reflect on your performance. Remember to be organized, structured, and thoughtful when creating your template, and you'll be well on your way to acing your next interview.

How Hume Can Help

Hume is an innovative interview intelligence platform that can help you take your interview process to the next level. It allows you to record, transcribe and summarize interviews, which can help you unlock valuable insights and make better hiring decisions.

With Hume, you can easily record and store all of your interviews, which means you'll never have to worry about missing important details or losing notes. The platform also transcribes your interviews, which makes it easy to search for specific information and compare candidates.

One of the most powerful features of Hume is its ability to summarize interviews. The platform uses advanced algorithms to analyze the content of the interviews and extract the most critical information. This can help you quickly identify the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate and make more informed hiring decisions.

Hume also allows you to train your interviewers by providing them with a comprehensive view of all interviews, which enables them to improve their interviewing skills and avoid common pitfalls.

In conclusion, using Hume can help you streamline your interview process, make more informed hiring decisions, and train your interviewers to perform better. It's a valuable tool for any hiring team looking to improve their interview process and make better hires.