Tapping the source: even if you don't get the job, an interview can still reap rewards.

Dave King thought he had aced the job interview. He had done his research on a Philadelphia chemical manufacturing company and felt totally prepared. However, another candidate was chosen. Rather than close the book on the experience, King called the human resources manager to find out what had tipped the scales in favor of the winning candidate.

"I called to learn what aspects of my interviewing needed to be sharpened so that I could do better in the future," says King, an environmental engineer with the State of Georgia's Environmental Protection Division in Atlanta. "Though I had rated well with everyone in the interview, what weakened my chances was my response to a question asked by the company's director of purchasing about how I felt I did in graduate school." What King learned was that the division head thought he had not given enough significance to his college accomplishments, thus showing a lack of assertiveness - an essential qualification in handling negotiations as a purchasing agent. "I would not have known this if I hadn't taken the initiative to call and find out," King recalls.

Even if you don't land the job, an interview can still be a success - all it takes is a follow-up telephone call to the interviewer. Constructive criticism not only provides ammunition to help you improve your interviewing skills, but also sends the message that you're still interested in working for the company. Following up also makes good networking sense because it can lead to other employment opportunities, both inside and outside that company.

To start, build an amicable rapport not with the interviewer so that he or she will feel comfortable speaking "off the record" about your strengths and weaknesses, advises Samuel M. Hall Jr., director of career services at Howard University. For recent Spelman College graduate Christie D. Grays, a good rapport with a Chicago advertising agency recruiter helped her glean important post-interview advice. "I was told what each of my six interviewers said about my presentation. It basically boiled down to the fact that I didn't ask enough questions. After learning that, I made a conscious effort to ask more questions and increase my assertiveness." Today, Grays is a career development training program participant at Cushman & Wakefield in Tampa, Florida.

While some companies may be forthcoming during your inquiry, others may not, notes Barry L. Johnson, first vice president of human resources at HomeSide Lending Inc. in Jacksonville, Florida. "Because of legal ramifications, it's going to be difficult to get constructive criticism from some interviewers," he notes. Companies will be hesitant in sharing information with an applicant they feel will take the criticism the wrong way. From his own experience, Johnson adds, most corporations are going to stick to the line that "a more qualified candidate was hired" and probably will not deviate from giving more information.

So, it's vital to maintain a positive attitude and carefully phrase your request to give the impression that you're seeking help and are not being a hindrance. Here are some examples: * What elements in my background did you find appealing? * What skills or experiences would you have liked for me to have had? * Can you suggest other positions within your organization for which I qualify? * What would you suggest I do to be more successful in future interviews?

The competition out there is tough. From the constructive criticism you get, take a look at your weaknesses and strengths and work them to your advantage.