Interview Fail

Being in the right headspace for an interview is hard to gauge when the anxiety about securing employment is high.

After going through many interviews over the past year, I've come to realize that the experience of saying 'no' can be extremely valuable, teaching you how to better navigate future opportunities.

An example of my interview failings

I set up an interview for a new position at the same company just one week after my position had been eliminated. I felt assured that since I had already been working there for a long time that if I just explained my work processes and outcomes from my current team that it would land me a job the next week.

The interview did not go well. Looking back, I realize I was rambling and not focusing on how my research had provided positive outcomes for our team. By the fifteen-minute mark, they told me they had already decided not to hire me.

I was mortified, but it was a wake-up call. I realized that I had jumped into the interview too soon, still reeling from the shock of my layoff. My mind was clouded by anxiety, and it prevented me from presenting my true capabilities. This experience forced me to reflect deeply on my emotional readiness for future interviews.

Taking a new approach

After that interview, I decided to take a different approach. I would spend the next month creating an online portfolio of my case studies with the hope that recruiters and hiring managers would find my website and come to me. Putting together all of my work and outcomes was extremely therapeutic and instilled confidence in myself that I was good at my job, and could advocate for myself and my work.

Gaining knowledge from my errors

Through my experiences, I've come to see interviews as more than just a test of skills—they're also a powerful gauge of your emotional well-being. Each interview provides insight into how well you’re managing the stress of the job hunt and how confident you truly feel in your abilities. This emotional check-in is crucial, as it can either propel you forward or hold you back.

Next time, if I find myself in a similar situation, I'll remember that it's okay to step back and say 'no,' knowing that doing so isn't a failure—it's a step towards finding the right fit and protecting my own well-being.

Guidance for moving forward

While not every interview will lead to a job offer, each one is a stepping stone in your journey. These experiences, especially the challenging ones, teach you resilience and reveal how well you handle pressure. Over time, these small lessons accumulate, leading to significant personal growth that better prepares you for future opportunities.

After each interview, take a moment to jot down any mistakes or uncertainties you felt during the conversation.

• Reflect on each interview by taking note of any mistakes or areas where you felt unsure.

• Don't hesitate to ask the interviewer for feedback—it’s a valuable tool for improvement.

• As you gain experience, interviews will become less daunting, and you’ll start evaluating whether the company or position is truly the right fit for you.