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Reflection Paper on Interview Experience

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Published: Mar 13, 2024

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The CARL framework of reflection

This framework takes you through Context, Action, Results, and Learning.

The CARL model is adapted from a job interview technique where you structure each of your answers according to the different aspect of the model. Given the reflective nature of successfully answering many job interview questions, this model can easily be used in general to guide your reflective process on experiences. CARL stands for:

• Context: Briefly describe the context of you experience
• Action: Explain what actions you took
• Results: Explain what happened as a result of your actions
• Learning: Identify what you have learned

One thing to be conscious of with this model is that it is possible to work through the stages while only describing at each level. Be sure you stop and ask yourself how and why the things happened – this will help move it from descriptions to reflections.

Below is further information on the model – each stage is given a fuller description, guiding questions to ask yourself and a couple of examples of how this might look in a reflection.

This is just one model of reflection. Test it out and see how it works for you. If you find that only a few of the questions are helpful, focus on those. If you think about each area you are likely to engage more critically with your learning experience.

This model, unlike a fair amount of other reflection models, does not explicitly require further planned actions. This is not essential for reflection, as identifying new learning is an extremely valuable process and will in many cases affect practice on its own. The model is frequently seen in interviews without the ‘learning’ stage, however it is important to include this stage in reflection as it allows you to critically extract knowledge and learning from the situation.

One potential challenge with using this model is that it encourages you to describe throughout - that is describe the context, the actions, and results and only think about implications in learning. While there can be benefits from solely describing as it can make you aware of the consequences of your actions, describing is not the same as being critically reflective. To ensure that you remain reflective throughout, keep asking yourself the question why – ‘why did I do what I did?’ etc.

For other models there is a natural place where you introduce and think about relevant theoretical literature. In this model each step can benefit from literature, as it can help explain your motivations, for example in actions you might want to use a particular theory to explain why you chose a specific action above another.

A number of helpful questions are outlined below for each of the sections. You don’t have to answer all of them, but they can guide you to what sort of things make sense to include in that section. You might have others questions that work better for you.

Here you will set the context for yourself or the reader. Describe what is essential to understand the situation.

Helpful questions:

• What was the context of the situation?
• What was the situation?
• Where was it?
• Who was there?
• What am I hoping to accomplish?

Depending on whether you are presenting the reflection, for example as an interview answer, or using the model as a helpful framework for your own reflective process, you may wish to tailor how extensive you are. If doing it for yourself, it can be very helpful to understand a full comprehensive context, whereas when presenting it to others you may wish to only include enough that the audience understand the context.

Examples of Context

The examples below show how the reflective process can happen at an overarching process level and a specific experience level. Both will tackle the same scenario, but their conclusions can be different. When reflecting both levels can be helpful.

Here you can describe what your actions were in relation to the context specified above. To critically engage with the reflection it is important not only to describe your actions, but think about why you did these actions and not something else.

• What did I do?
• What else happened (other actions)?
• Why did I choose this action?
• What other actions could I have chosen? (not necessarily giving you the same result)

Examples of Action

Here you can discuss the results that came from your actions and what the implications are of the results.

• Did I accomplish what I wanted?
• Did my actions accomplish what I wanted in the way I expected?
• What are the implications of my actions on myself/others/similar situations in the future?
• Could different actions have given me the same result?
• Is there a way I could improve my results or actions?

Examples of Results

Here you have a chance to conclude using the insights gained from the three sections above. While not explicitly suggested by the model, if you want to include an action plan this is a natural place to do so.

• What did I learn from the experience?
• Would I do the same thing again or would I change something?
• What should I do next time I’m in a similar experience?
• Should I change anything about the way I do things? What?

Examples of Learning

Adopted from

The CAR model of interview techniques, for example BlueSteps (2011) CAR interview Technique.

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Expectations and Preparations

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Challenges and areas for improvement, conclusion and lessons learned.

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Samples Of Harvard Business School Post-Interview Reflections

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If you managed to get an admissions interview with Harvard Business School, you now have 24 hours to create something that is unique in MBA admissions: the post-interview reflection. Every MBA applicant who gets an interview is required to submit a written reflection through Harvard’s online application system.

These post-meeting memos take many forms, from brief ‘thank you’ notes to fairly long missives that go into deeper biographical detail. The longest reflection published in 2020-2021 edition of The Harbus’ MBA Admissions & Interview Guide stands at 1,295 words, while the shortest is a mere 228 words long. The guide includes 23 different post-interview reflections along with dozens upon dozens of interview questions with analysis. Available for $66.63 via download here , the guide is written by current HBS students, culled from successful applicants to Harvard Business School who enrolled in the MBA program and are now immersed in HBS culture. “We were in your shoes not long ago and we understand the nuances of preparing for the HBS interview, from first-hand experience,” write the guide’s editors.

In almost every case, the students who have written successful post-interview reflections express unbridled enthusiasm if not awe at what they discovered during their visit to campus. And many candidates make clear their intentions to contribute to the HBS community. “Whether I am the President of a club, a member of a team, or the person who dresses up in (a) costume making a fool of myself to spread the word about a cause, I’ll be the one shamelessly all in,” concluded one applicant.

SAMPLES OF POST-INTERVIEW REFLECTIONS BY SUCCESSFUL HARVARD MBA APPLICANTS

The newly updated 2020-2021 Harbus MBA Admissions & Interview Guide

Some vividly (and always enthusiastically) describe their interactions with other MBA students while on the 40-acre campus. “During the day, I came across several interviewees that worked at venture capital firms. When I gave them my elevator pitch for (the address changing service that I’ve been working on), they expressed interest and wanted to learn more about the business model and potential market size,” wrote one candidate. “I had never approached a VC with ideas before and quickly realized the tremendous opportunities that exist for entrepreneurs at HBS.”

Others reflect on the diversity of the students they bumped into while on the expansive grounds of the Harvard Business School. “When I attended a class today, I saw the rainbow of flags scattered across the room and heard the sound of many accents,” wrote a female applicant who worked in private equity. “The level of diversity was unlike anything I have witnessed.”

How should you think about this requirement of the admissions process at HBS? With permission from The Harbus , we’re publishing four of the 23 sample reflections from the latest Admissions Guide. We hope they whet your appetite to buy the complete guide and gain access to the full collection of interview questions and reflections. The post-admission interview memos have been written by both men and women, candidates in a variety of fields from private equity to technology, by both domestic and international applicants.

DON’T MISS: HBS INTERVIEW PREP: YOUR POST-INTERVIEW REFLECTION or PODCAST INTERVIEW WITH HBSGURU.COM FOUNDER SANDY KREISBERG ON POST-INTERVIEW REFLECTIONS

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How to Write a Powerful HBS Post-Interview Reflection

An HBS admit outlines her top tips for writing a compelling post-interview reflection that makes your application stand out.

By  Siri G.

Posted August 13, 2024

Featuring Matt K.

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Table of Contents

POV: You just finished your HBS interview and now have 24 hours to submit a reflection essay.

First, if you made it to the interview stage in your HBS application process—congrats! You’re almost there. If you're not quite sure on the specifics of what the post-interview reflection is, it’s a unique aspect of the HBS application process designed to capture your thoughts and insights about the program after the interview.

HBS Post-Interview Reflection Rules

Harvard Business School has outlined some core rules for the written reflection part of the interview process . Here’s what the admissions office has to say:

• The Post-Interview Reflection is not intended to be another formal essay . Think of it instead as a reflection after a meeting.
• We will be much more generous in our reaction to typos and grammatical errors than we will be with pre-packaged responses. Reflections that give any indication that they were produced before you had the interview will raise a flag for us.
• We do not expect you to solicit or receive any outside assistance with this exercise.
• Your Post-Interview Reflection is due within 24 hours of the conclusion of your interview. Let the interview soak in a little bit...no need to start writing your reflection right at the conclusion of your interview.
• There is a word guidance of 300-450 words for the Post-Interview Reflection.

As an applicant who just made it through the process of writing neat and proper material for your MBA admissions, this may seem a little confusing. Somehow Harvard’s post interview reflection needs to be not formal but also make sense and prove to the admissions committee that you’re a good choice. So how do you do that? Here are some tips that have helped me and other prospective MBA students approach the post-interview reflection essay.

Tip #1: Brain Dump

Keep a few sheets of clean paper with you when you head to your interview. As soon as you leave the room or end the call, take 15 to 20 minutes to jot down any thoughts and initial reactions you can recall from the interview. HBS does not allow applicants to record their interviews, and you don’t want to forget any critical details. Brain dumping ensures that you capture as much as possible from the whole interview experience.

Some prompts to consider include:

• What comments did your interviewer(s) make about your application?
• What resume experiences did they address?
• What questions did they ask, and what were your responses?
• What are your initial reactions?
• Do you think you answered each question fully?
• What key moments do you keep replaying in your head?
• Are there any questions you wish they asked?
• Above all else, do you feel like you left it all out there?

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Tip #2: Recharge

You know it by now: the admissions process is a tiring affair. So after you’ve captured your initial notes, it’s important to get some space. This allows you to process what happened and truly reflect on the experience. Eat a snack, call your mom, touch grass—do whatever it takes for you to release any remaining nerves and reset your focus for the day.

I’m a verbal processor, so I find that talking it out helps me pick up on moments I may have missed initially. This is where a coach helps immensely. Your coach knows your application inside out—they can be a sounding board for any key experiences you want to cover in your reflection that you haven’t had a chance to explain in your interview.

Tip #3: Get to Work

Make your way back an hour or two later and draft an outline, pulling details from your brain dump to address in your essay.

While the structure and format of your reflection can vary depending on your interview and overall candidacy, consider identifying two or three experiences that you want to revisit, emphasize, or expand on in your essay. Your reflection should be additive; avoid bringing up new or unrelated topics. Also, it’s not advised to go back on anything you said in the interview. Instead, consider what you wish you could add if you had more time.

Remember to be as specific as possible in your reflections. Don’t draft your essay before your interview. In fact, you should make clear connections to the exact conversations you’ve had with your interviewer. Where possible, make it personal so it feels truly reflective of that moment in time.

A powerful way to conclude your reflection is to tie your thoughts back to HBS and emphasize your commitment to the program. This will look different for everyone, but anchoring your reflection on themes you highlighted in your application builds a cohesive case to admissions on why they should admit you.

Tip #4: Don’t get sloppy

I highly recommend you build a solid draft of your essay before going to bed for the day. Then, in the morning, you can come back with fresh ideas on how to elevate your reflection and polish your writing. Swap any bland wording with expressive verbiage to make your message more powerful.

The admissions committee recognizes this essay was drafted in 24 hours and therefore may not be as polished as your other essays. At the same time, this is your last opportunity to bring it home—HBS is giving you the final word, make it count.

These are just a few tips for HBS applicants out there crafting their post-interview reflection. If you want more guidance or need a coach on deck, schedule a free intro call with me .

Example Reflection

Since my interview with [names of your interviewees from the HBS admissions committee], I’ve found myself thinking about how well-developed and introspective the questions presented were, and have continued to think about them in terms of my goals for the next several years.

A significant moment for me was when [name] asked about a difficult decision I had to make. I shared an instance where I had to choose between two promising but mutually exclusive strategies: one that would help my company’s immediate customer growth and another that would reorganize our back-end for employees. In retrospect, I wish I had elaborated more on the thought process and the criteria I used to make that decision, as doing so would have allowed me to clarify that my choice was driven by a careful analysis of long-term benefits versus short-term gains. Still, at the end of the day, I felt like the admissions committee appreciated this example and was able to understand my ability to think strategically and make tough decisions under pressure.

The interviewer’s interest in my leadership experiences at [Company] also stood out. We discussed the strategic project I led last year, which aimed to revamp our company’s supply chain management. I appreciated the opportunity to elaborate on the challenges I faced and how I navigated them, particularly in terms of team collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

Another topic we explored was my volunteer work with [Non-Profit Organization]. I spoke about the mentorship program I started, aimed at supporting underprivileged youth. The interviewer’s questions helped me realize the broader impact of this initiative, beyond the immediate outcomes. This discussion reinforced my commitment to social responsibility and how it shapes my professional aspirations. I wish I had more time to discuss how this experience influenced my leadership style, emphasizing empathy and community engagement.

We also spent some time talking about my work in diverse teams. I recounted a challenging but rewarding project where I led a cross-functional team with members from different cultural backgrounds. The key takeaway from this experience was the importance of inclusive leadership and effective communication. I believe I effectively conveyed how these experiences have prepared me for the collaborative environment at HBS, but in hindsight, I could have further emphasized specific instances of overcoming cultural barriers and fostering teamwork.

Overall, I extremely enjoyed my chance to talk with the admissions team and feel confident about my responses. If given another chance, I would have taken more time to emphasize my strategic thinking and decision-making process more clearly. I also realize the importance of articulating my personal growth and how these experiences have prepared me for the challenges at HBS.

This interview reaffirmed my passion for leadership and innovation, and I am more committed than ever to contributing to the HBS community. I appreciate the opportunity to reflect on this pivotal experience and look forward to the possibility of joining HBS. The interview process has been incredibly insightful, and I am excited about the prospect of bringing my unique perspectives to HBS.

Writing a top-of-the-line post-interview reflection is your final opportunity to make a strong impression on the admissions committee. By taking the time to brain dump your thoughts, recharging to gain perspective, structuring your reflection with specificity, and polishing your draft, you’ll be able to submit a compelling essay which reflects your aptitude for the program. Remember to always tie your thoughts back to HBS and use your reflection to reinforce your commitment to the program.

Also, don't stress too much about perfection. The committee understands the time constraint and is looking for your ability to reflect thoughtfully and candidly on your interview experience.

An extra tip: Be authentic and honest in your reflection. The admissions committee can tell when responses are genuine and when they are overly polished. Let your personality and true reflections shine through and your essay will easily stand out to the team. Good luck and nail that reflection!

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Essay Papers Writing Online

How to write an engaging and informative interview essay that captivates readers.

Are you ready to embark on a journey of words and emotions? Do you yearn to bring real-life stories to life on paper? If so, then the art of conducting an interview essay might just be the path for you. Through a delicate amalgamation of acute observation, introspection, and empathetic listening, you can unravel the intricacies of a person’s life and translate their experiences into a captivating piece of writing. Discover the key steps and techniques that will help you become a master of the interview essay genre.

Imagine yourself as a literary detective, armed with a notepad and pen, delving into the depths of someone’s thoughts and experiences. Your duty is to uncover the hidden layers of a person’s soul and translate them into a narrative that captivates the reader from the very first word. The interview essay offers a unique opportunity to break through the boundaries of traditional storytelling and delve into the realm of intimate conversations. Using skillful questioning and active listening, you can extract stories that will resonate with readers and give them a deeper understanding of the human condition.

Crafting a successful interview essay requires the delicate balance of objective reporting and subjective interpretation. It is a dance between the facts and the emotions, the words spoken and the unspoken truths. As an interviewer, your role extends beyond mere transcription; you are an interpreter, a curator of stories, and a storyteller. By carefully selecting the most powerful quotes, weaving them into a coherent narrative, and providing insightful context, you can create a compelling tapestry of human experiences that will inspire and enlighten your readers.

Overview of Interview Essays

In this section, we will explore the fundamental aspects of conducting and presenting an interview essay. By delving into the art of conversation and storytelling, interview essays provide a unique opportunity to capture the essence of an individual’s experiences and perspectives. These essays allow readers to gain insight into a person’s life journey, accomplishments, and insights on various topics, offering a glimpse into their world.

Interview essays go beyond the realm of traditional journalistic interviews, offering a more personal and in-depth exploration of the interviewee’s thoughts and emotions. Unlike a standard news article or report, interview essays focus on the individual and their unique perspective, providing a platform for their voice to be heard.

Throughout the essay, the interviewer must skillfully navigate the conversation, asking thoughtful and probing questions to elicit meaningful responses. It is crucially important to establish a comfortable and trusting environment, allowing the interviewee to open up and express themselves authentically. The interview process requires active listening and keen observation, ensuring that the essence of the interviewee is accurately portrayed.

The structure of the interview essay typically begins with an engaging introduction that introduces the interviewee and sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Following the introduction, a series of questions and answers, presented in a logical and coherent manner, form the body of the essay. This section should highlight the most compelling and enlightening aspects of the interview, showcasing the interviewee’s unique insights and experiences.

As the interview draws to a close, a well-crafted conclusion synthesizes the main points discussed during the interview, providing a final reflection on the interviewee’s thoughts and perspectives. This section should leave the reader with a lasting impression of the interviewee and their story.

In summary, interview essays offer a captivating and rich exploration of an individual’s life and experiences. Through thoughtful questioning and careful listening, these essays provide a platform for the interviewee’s voice to be heard, shedding light on their unique perspective and contributions to the world.

Choosing an Interviewee

When embarking on the task of conducting an interview essay, one of the most crucial decisions to make is choosing the right interviewee. This individual will be the subject of your essay and plays a significant role in shaping the overall narrative and content. Therefore, it is important to carefully consider several factors when selecting an interviewee.

First and foremost, it is essential to choose an interviewee who possesses expertise or experience in the subject matter you wish to explore. The interviewee should have valuable insights and a deep understanding of the topic, ensuring that the interview will provide meaningful and informative content. Consider professionals, experts, or individuals who have unique perspectives that align with your essay’s theme.

In addition to expertise, it is crucial to select an interviewee who is willing and enthusiastic about participating in the interview. Look for individuals who are open to sharing their thoughts and experiences, and who express genuine interest in engaging in a conversation about the chosen topic. This will ensure that the interview is engaging and that the interviewee is willing to provide detailed and insightful responses.

Another factor to consider when choosing an interviewee is their accessibility. It is important to select someone who is readily available and willing to commit the necessary time for the interview. Consider individuals who have a flexible schedule or who are willing to accommodate your interview request. This will help ensure that you can conduct the interview within your desired timeframe.

Lastly, consider the diversity and representation that the interviewee can bring to your essay. Aim for inclusivity and diversity by selecting individuals from different backgrounds, cultures, or perspectives. This will enrich your essay and provide a broader range of insights and experiences to draw from.

In conclusion, choosing the right interviewee is a critical step in writing a successful interview essay. It requires careful consideration of factors such as expertise, willingness to participate, accessibility, and diversity. By selecting the most suitable interviewee, you can ensure that your essay will be engaging, informative, and provide a unique perspective on the chosen topic.

Tips for selecting the right individual to interview for your article

Choosing the right person to interview for your essay is a crucial step in ensuring that your piece is insightful and engaging. The individual you select should have firsthand knowledge or experience related to your topic, offering unique insights and perspectives. Taking the time to carefully select the right person will not only enhance the quality of your interview essay but also lend credibility to your work.

Firstly, consider the expertise and background of the person you are considering interviewing. Look for individuals who have extensive knowledge and experience in the field you are focusing on. This could be a subject matter expert, a professional in the industry, or someone who has had personal experiences relevant to your topic. These individuals can provide valuable insights and opinions, allowing your essay to delve deeper into the subject matter.

In addition to expertise, it is essential to choose someone who is articulate and can effectively convey their thoughts and experiences. Good communication skills are a vital aspect of a successful interview. Look for individuals who can express themselves clearly and concisely, ensuring that the information they provide is easy to understand and engaging for your readers.

Another important factor to consider when selecting an interviewee is their availability and willingness to participate. Ensure that the person you choose is willing and able to commit the necessary time and effort to the interview process. This could include conducting in-person interviews, phone interviews, or even email correspondence. Being flexible and accommodating to the individual’s schedule is key to obtaining the information you need for a compelling interview essay.

Finally, aim for diversity when selecting an interviewee. Consider individuals from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. This will not only provide a well-rounded view of your topic but also make your essay more relatable and interesting to a wider audience. Including diverse voices and opinions will enrich your work and make it more impactful.

By following these tips and selecting the right person to interview, you can ensure that your essay is informative, engaging, and offers a unique perspective on your chosen topic.

Preparing for the Interview

Getting ready for an interview is a crucial step towards a successful conversation that will leave a lasting impression on the interviewer. Adequate preparation is important as it helps you feel confident and ready to showcase your skills and qualifications. In this section, we will discuss the key steps to take before an interview to ensure you are well-prepared and can present yourself in the best possible light.

• Research the company: Before attending an interview, it is essential to research the company you are interviewing with. This includes understanding their mission, values, products or services they offer, and any recent news or projects. This knowledge will not only demonstrate your interest in the company but also allow you to ask relevant questions during the interview.
• Analyze the job description: Take the time to thoroughly analyze the job description for the position you are applying for. Identify the key skills, qualifications, and responsibilities mentioned in the description. This will help you tailor your answers during the interview and showcase how your experience aligns with the requirements of the role.
• Prepare your answers: It is a good idea to anticipate some of the questions that may be asked during the interview. Practice your answers to common interview questions, such as “Tell me about yourself” or “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” This preparation will help you showcase your skills and qualifications confidently and concisely.
• Prepare questions to ask: In addition to answering questions, you should also prepare some questions to ask the interviewer. This shows your enthusiasm and interest in the role and allows you to gather more information about the company and the position. Consider asking about company culture, team dynamics, or opportunities for growth.
• Dress appropriately: First impressions matter, so it is important to dress professionally for the interview. Research the company’s dress code and aim to dress slightly more formal than what is expected. Ensure that your attire is clean, ironed, and appropriate for the industry.
• Practice good body language: During the interview, your body language can speak volumes. Practice good posture, maintain eye contact, and use confident and friendly gestures. This will help you appear engaged and interested in the conversation.
• Gather necessary documents: Before the interview, gather all necessary documents, such as copies of your resume, cover letter, and any relevant certifications or references. Organize these documents neatly in a folder or portfolio, so they are easily accessible during the interview.
• Plan your route and arrive early: Before the day of the interview, plan your route and ensure you know how to get to the location. Consider traffic or public transport delays, and aim to arrive at least 10-15 minutes early. This will give you time to relax, collect your thoughts, and make a good first impression.

By following these preparation steps, you will increase your chances of success during the interview. Remember to stay calm, be yourself, and let your qualifications and enthusiasm shine!

Steps to take before conducting the interview to ensure its success

Prior to conducting an interview, there are several key steps one should take to ensure its success. By carefully preparing and organizing beforehand, you can maximize the outcome of the interview and gather the most valuable insights and information from your subject.

• Research your subject: Take the time to thoroughly research your subject before the interview. Familiarize yourself with their background, achievements, and any relevant work they may have done. This will not only help you ask informed and insightful questions but also demonstrate your interest and preparedness during the interview.
• Define your goals: Determine what specific information or insights you hope to gain from the interview. Clarify your objectives and the overall purpose of conducting the interview. This will help you structure your questions and guide the conversation in a focused and meaningful direction.
• Prepare a list of questions: Create a list of questions that will prompt your subject to share their experiences, opinions, and expertise. Mix open-ended questions with more specific ones to encourage thoughtful and detailed responses. Consider the flow and order of your questions to ensure a smooth and logical conversation.
• Consider the logistics: Plan and organize the logistics of the interview in advance. Determine the best format for the interview, whether it is in person, over the phone, or through video conferencing. Confirm the date, time, and location if applicable. Additionally, make sure you have all the necessary equipment ready, such as recording devices or notepads.
• Establish rapport: Building a rapport with your subject is crucial for a successful interview. Prior to the interview, introduce yourself and explain the purpose of the interview. Create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere during the actual interview to allow your subject to feel at ease and open up more naturally.
• Anticipate challenges: Anticipate potential challenges or obstacles that may arise during the interview. Prepare alternative strategies or questions to handle any unexpected circumstances. By being flexible and adaptable, you can ensure the smooth progression of the interview.
• Respect confidentiality: If your interview involves sensitive or confidential information, assure your subject of confidentiality and obtain their consent to share certain details. This will help establish trust and encourage them to share more freely and openly.

By following these steps before conducting an interview, you can set the stage for a successful and valuable exchange of information. Proper preparation and organization will ensure that you extract the most meaningful insights and present a well-rounded and informative interview.

Conducting the Interview

During this phase, you will have the opportunity to engage in a face-to-face conversation with your interviewee. This is a crucial step in gathering valuable information for your interview essay. The interview allows you to unravel the unique perspectives, experiences, and insights of your subject, bringing depth and authenticity to your writing.

Before the interview, it’s important to research your interviewee and become familiar with their background and work. This preparation will enable you to ask informed questions and show respect for their expertise. Showing genuine interest in their work will make them more willing to open up and share their insights during the interview.

When conducting the interview, create a comfortable and relaxed environment for your interviewee. Establishing a friendly rapport will help them feel at ease and encourage thoughtful responses. Begin by asking a few general questions to ease into the conversation and then gradually move into more specific topics of interest. Active listening is key during the interview; pay attention to not only the words spoken but also the tone, body language, and emotions conveyed.

As you progress through the interview, probe deeper into the interviewee’s thoughts and experiences. Ask open-ended questions that invite detailed and reflective responses. Be prepared to adapt your questions based on their responses to keep the conversation flowing naturally. It’s important to strike a balance between guiding the conversation and allowing your interviewee to express themselves freely.

Remember to be respectful and considerate throughout the interview process. Avoid interrupting and allow your interviewee to fully express their thoughts. Take notes during the interview to capture important details and to ensure accuracy in your essay. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or additional information if needed.

By conducting a successful interview, you will gather rich material to create a compelling and engaging interview essay. The insights and personal anecdotes shared by your interviewee will add depth and authenticity to your writing, making it a truly captivating piece.

Techniques and strategies for effectively interviewing your subject

When conducting an interview, it is important to have a set of techniques and strategies to ensure a successful and insightful conversation with your subject. By employing these techniques, you can gather valuable information, establish rapport, and make the most out of your interview.

• Prepare: Before the interview, do thorough research on your subject to familiarize yourself with their background, expertise, and accomplishments. This will enable you to ask informed and relevant questions during the interview.
• Establish rapport: Building a connection with your subject is crucial to create a comfortable and open atmosphere during the interview. Begin by introducing yourself, showing genuine interest, and actively listening to their responses.
• Ask open-ended questions: Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no,” focus on open-ended questions that encourage your subject to provide detailed and insightful responses. These questions often start with “how,” “why,” or “tell me about.”
• Active listening: During the interview, give your full attention to your subject and demonstrate active listening. This involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, and providing verbal cues to show that you are fully engaged in the conversation. Avoid interrupting and allow your subject to complete their thoughts.
• Probing and follow-up questions: To dig deeper into a topic or clarify any ambiguous answers, ask probing questions. These questions can help you extract more specific details and provide a more comprehensive understanding of your subject’s perspective.
• Keep it conversational: While it’s important to maintain a professional approach, aim to make the interview feel like a conversation rather than an interrogation. Use a friendly tone, ask follow-up questions, and be empathetic to create an environment where your subject feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and experiences.
• Record or take notes: To fully capture the interview, consider recording the conversation with your subject’s permission. Alternatively, take detailed notes during the interview to ensure accuracy when transcribing and referring back to the interview later.
• Thank your subject: Once the interview is complete, remember to express gratitude to your subject for their time and insights. Sending a follow-up message or a handwritten note as a token of appreciation can leave a positive impression and may result in future interview opportunities.

By utilizing these techniques and strategies during your interview, you can obtain valuable information, establish meaningful connections, and create a successful and insightful interview essay.

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Job Interview Reflection

Description of the Experience

Understanding the insights, plans and conclusion, video voice-over.

Taking on a role can provide essential insights into future real-life situations. For my previous assignment, I played an interviewer to better my understanding of how communication is critical for my future career of choice. By using the DIEP strategy, I can ensure that my experience will improve outcomes in similar encounters. In this reflection, I will express my thoughts regarding the job interview assignment and my role in it as an interviewer.

By participating in a simulated interview, I realized the importance of finding a balance between being empathetic and keeping a professional tone. As it was noted in the feedback, the atmosphere of the interview was stressful due to my nervousness. However, I believe that I played my role with relative success, despite an interviewee’s disruptive behavior. Despite their rudeness and a tendency to steer away from the topic, I was able to redirect our conversation back to the topic with polite remarks. This approach brought the value of clarity in communication and how this factor ensures a productive usage of one’s time.

This idea gave me a new perspective on the nature of employability as a deciding factor in the labor market. I believe that my experience might mean that a presentation of self indicates many subtle aspects of one’s character to a potential employer. Its primary implication is the fact that upholding a proper tone in business-related communication is a task for both parties, independent of each other. Moreover, I understood that the way I represent myself would affect the price of my skills. Articulatory skills serve as the front page of one’s portfolio during interviews, making it vital to teach students how to express themselves in a clear and concise manner (Goodwin et al., 2019). There is also a significant difference between self-perception and the way others see me, and being emotionally intelligent is a robust personal quality I must strive to develop.

I believe that this realization will change my approach to presenting not only my accomplishments but my behavior as well. Business communications play a critical role in the majority of modern careers, putting this experience among the basic ones for my future success. I intend to continuously assess how my behavior influences the way my interactions with others go. For example, I can see how I was not able to remain strictly professional without sounding too nervous, and this factor decreased my performance. Oral communication is one of the most critical skills that employers are seeking among graduates (Goodwin et al., 2019). My approach to professional conversations must be adjusted after this job interview.

In conclusion, this experience has provided me with valuable insight into the necessity of balancing expressing one’s thoughts in full detail and staying professional. This simulation made it clear that articulating one’s thoughts with precision is a requirement in business-related conversations that must not be ignored for the sake of mutual respect and benefit. The way I convey myself will decide many aspects of my future career.

I plan to apply this knowledge in the future each time I am taking a work-related interview. Remembering that staying on-point is the primary goal of professional communication is a vital part of the vast majority of careers. Moreover, such an evaluation would be beneficial during my encounters with potential business partners, as I can read their manners to assess their professionalism.

Goodwin, J. T., Goh, J., Verkoeyen, S., & Lithgow, K. (2019). Can students be taught to articulate employability skills? Education + Training , 61 (4), 445-460. Web.

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Reflective Essay Examples

50 best reflective essay examples (+topic samples).

If you have ever read reflective essay examples, you would know that these types of written works examine the writer’s life experiences . When you write a reflective paper example, you write about your own experiences and explore how you’ve changed, grown or developed because of those experiences. There’s no standard format for this essay as it may vary depending on the target audience.

Table of Contents

• 1 Reflective Essay Examples
• 2 What is a reflective essay?
• 3 Reflective Paper Examples
• 4 Format of reflective essay
• 5 Creating the outline of reflective essay examples
• 6 Reflective Paper Samples
• 7 Tips for writing reflective essay
• 8 Reflective Essay Samples

What is a reflective essay?

A reflective essay is a type of written work which reflects your own self. Since it’s about yourself, you already have a topic to write about. For reflective essay examples, readers expect you to evaluate a specific part of your life. To do this, you may reflect on emotions, memories, and feelings you’ve experienced at that time.

Since you’re writing reflection essay samples about yourself, make sure that they’re interesting and exciting. This is very important so that your readers don’t get bored with what you’ve written. Reflective essays are very personal thus, they’re a special type of essay. As you write one, you need to reflect, think, and explain.

In the essay, you should demonstrate and describe different feelings or emotions which you’ve felt in the past. These statements breathe life into your essay as your readers start picturing what you’ve written in their minds. Reflective essays are very honest, personal, and emotional, especially those which describe painful experiences.

Reflective Paper Examples

Format of reflective essay

As aforementioned, reflective essay examples don’t have a standard format. They seem easy enough to write but once you’ve sat down to start writing, you may suddenly find the task very challenging! Besides the format, you must think about the life experience you want to write about and remember everything about it.

A reflective paper example is a lot like a personal journal or diary. Of course, the difference is that other people will read your essay. Therefore, you must write it with good structure and coherence. In this regard, reflective essays are a lot like the other types of essays too.

When writing a reflective essay, you will have to examine your own life experiences. The purpose of writing such an essay is to provide yourself with a platform to share your most meaningful life experiences with other people. You can also use it as a way to explore how your experiences have changed you as a person.

You can present reflective writing in different formats. Most of the time though, people use a learning log or a diary entry format. You can use these formats and others. Just make sure that your essay has a good flow and that it’s easy for other readers to understand.

The format to use for your reflection essay samples would depend on your target audience. You can make an academic reflective essay or you can make it as a general and informal piece of writing. If you need to write the essay for a class assignment, follow the format given to you by your teacher.

No matter what format you choose, you may write an essay which:

• Focuses on your personal growth Such an essay helps you learn how to evaluate and analyze the experiences you have had in your personal life. This helps promote emotional development and growth. It also helps you understand yourself and your behaviors better.
• Focuses on literature For this type of essay, you may have to include references to literature and apply these to your own life experiences. Such essays are commonly given as assignments to students in school.

Creating the outline of reflective essay examples

Before you write your reflective essay examples, you must create an outline for them. Although you’d write about your own life, creating an outline gives structure to your essay to serve as a guide for what you want to write about.

Whether you need to write an essay for school, for a magazine or for any other reason, creating an outline is the very first step. With a good outline, you have a better idea of how your essay will flow from one paragraph to the next all the way to the conclusion.

When creating the outline of your reflective paper example, keep it organized. Develop the outline gradually and put a lot of thought into it. In doing this, you make the writing process much easier. Here is a rundown of the steps involved in the essay-writing process:

• Choose a topic (a significant life experience you want to write about)
• Gather information
• Create an outline
• Write a draft
• Finalize your essay

Reflective Paper Samples

Tips for writing reflective essay

As you think about the content of your reflection essay samples, remember that the important thing is that such an essay must be highly personal but also engaging to readers. There’s so much more to reflective essays than just writing your story. You must also reflect on your experiences to engage your audiences.

For your starting point, think about the most significant experiences you had in your life. Those which had either a negative or a positive impact on you as a person. If the reflective essay is a school assignment, your professor would probably specify what you must write about. Here are some tips for you for writing your reflective paper example:

• Reflection The most important part of writing your reflective essay is the reflective process. Think about the personal experience you want to write about. Focus on what happened, how this experience made you feel, and how it affected your life. Explore your memories and emotions for this part of the process. As you’re recalling and reflecting on your life experience, take a lot of notes . Write down all the details you remember and try to be as clear and as detailed as you possibly can. Take as much time as you need for reflection. You can even close your eyes as you try to remember those experiences vividly. When you’re confident that you have recalled all of the details of your life experience, it’s time to write your essay. To make it more meaningful, try to answer some important questions about your life experience including: Did you learn anything new about yourself because of this experience? Have you grown or developed because of this experience? If so, in what way? Did this experience impact your life positively or negatively? If you had the chance to experience this all over again, would you do anything differently? Why did you behave in such a way at the time of this experience? Did you make the right choices? What are your general thoughts and feelings about this experience? Can you say that you learned from this experience? Did you gain any new perspectives or skills because of this experience? These are “signpost questions” which can help you write a more meaningful essay. These are just some examples, you can also think of your own questions to ask yourself. The point of these questions is to make sure that you think critically and deeply about the experience you’re writing about.
• Planning After you’ve reflected on your life experience, it’s time to start planning your essay. When it’s time to start, you might feel as if you’re not adequately prepared even though you’ve done a lot of reflection. This is a normal feeling, especially if you want to create a written piece which people will love reading. To ease your anxiety and doubt, come up with a well-rounded and comprehensive plan. The best way to do this is through an outline. With an outline to guide your writing process, you can come up with an essay that’s more coherent and which has a clear structure. An outline or plan is important for reflective essays. Since you’re writing about an emotionally-charged topic, you might find yourself getting “lost” along the way. This is especially true if you’re writing about a painful experience which still affects you until now. The outline serves as a map for you to keep your thoughts organized. In your outline, make sure to establish all of the fundamental details you wish to include in your essay. This helps you pick out and remove any superfluous information to make it easier to read and understand. Planning the points you want to write about makes it easier for you to stay on point. As such, your writing becomes a lot clearer and your readers can follow your line of thought. An outline also prevents you from missing out any relevant information. It’s very difficult and frustrating to go back after you’ve written the whole essay just to fit in this information! Planning your essay also saves you a lot of time. Coming up with the structure makes you more familiar with your essay even before you start writing it. Thus, you can spend more time writing, revising, and proofreading your essay to make it the best version possible.

Reflective Essay Samples

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How to Write a Reflection About Your Own Interview

Shula hirsch.

Writing a reflection of your last interview may help you obtain a college acceptance or job offer the next time around. Prepare for a future interview by determining your strengths and weaknesses. Write a journal so you may look at yourself objectively and make a plan for improvement. Be aware that the reflection is an account of your thoughts and ideas and is written solely for your own benefit.

Purchase a notebook or loose-leaf paper for the journal. Put the date, time and place on the first line. Record what actually took place in the interview. Write in the first person. Describe as many details as you can bring to mind, starting with how you greeted the interviewer upon entrance.

Record your feelings as the interview progressed. Write if you were at ease or nervous and analyze why that was the case. Note whether it was a pleasant experience or you were anxious to leave. Ask yourself if you were actively involved in the discussion or if you felt at a loss for words, and write down your answer.

Write the favorable aspects of the interview. If you felt confident with your responses to the interviewer's questions, say why. Think of whether you had a rapport with him. Analyze if you were dressed appropriately. Use these ideas to get to know yourself better.

Record your shortcomings and areas for improvement. Decide whether you need to prepare more thoroughly for the next interview. Note whether you were prepared to answer why they should hire you, which is a frequently asked question in interviews. Write a reminder to have several questions ready to ask the interviewer next time.

Discuss in your reflection how you may have responded to difficult or unwieldy questions, such as how you see yourself in 10 years. Jot down whether you were prepared to describe extracurricular activities, volunteer internships, or any unusual travel experiences you may have had.

Add to the reflection if you made eye contact with all interviewers for a panel or group interview. Think about whether your speech was clear and loud enough to be heard easily. Note if you were animated and seemed interested in the procedure.

Make note of whether or not you benefited from this interview. Include a list of steps you will take to improve for the future. Reread your reflection when preparing for the next interview.

• 1 "Communicating at Work"; Ronald Adler & Jeanne Elmhorst; 2005

About the Author

Based in Bellmore, N.Y., Shula Hirsch has been writing since 1960 on travel, education, raising children and senior problems. Her articles have appeared in "Newsday," "Mature Living," "Teaching Today," and "Travel News." She holds a Master of Arts degree from Columbia University and is a retired professor of English.

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