How do I Recover from a Bad Job Interview?

Going on a job interview is nerve racking and I am certain dreaded by most professionals. Where do the nerves and stigma come from? Previous interviews that didn’t go well and the position that wasn’t offered, that’s where.

Think about it, you have finally gotten the dream interview for the job you have always wanted. 5 minutes in, things start going south and fast. Stumbling answers, twisted tongue, and the sweat - the company can see right through you. They know all your faults and so do you.

So what to do?

Prepare, prepare and prepare some more. We all know that the hiring manager is going to throw in the random question that you didn’t prepare an answer for, don’t let this be the question that ruins the interview. Understand the basics of the company and your skills, think about how they apply to the position and answers will come easier.

Listen more than you talk!! Pay attention to the hiring manager and their responses, both verbal and physical. Remember we communicate 60% via non verbal actions. If it appears things aren’t going so well keep your composure until the end of the interview (remember to breathe). Ask for some feedback and express your concerns during the interview, if you think you’d do better having a second interview because this job means the world, then ask.

When it is over, remain calm - seriously. I have seen people vent to their friends verbally, talk about it online, etc and that is a bad mistake. Word travels fast in this digital age of ours and nothing can be more of an issue than your own words coming back to bite you. Gather yourself, think positive, and send a thank you note to the company. Regardless of the outcome, you did the right thing and are prepared to move on.

Not every opportunity you go after will fall into place according to plan, it’s you responsibility to get back on the horse and practice some more. Take into consideration all of the feedback you’ve gotten and apply it because it’s what the market expects and if you don’t deliver, you’ll never get the job!

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Comment by Will Branning on April 13, 2011 at 12:22pm: I like your suggestions - being overly prepared and remaining calm. Asking clarifying questions to be sure you are answering what they are really asking...I was not sure what you meant however when you said to "express your concerns during the interview"?

Comment by Jason Monastra on April 13, 2011 at 1:24pm: Well I think if you feel like you might have tanked the interview or it did not go as well as you wanted, you might want to express that in saying "I believe that the interview was fair, however I felt that rapport took a little longer to develop than normal as I had some confusion with some of your questions. I feel if we had another interview, we would both feel better about moving to the next phase. I am aware this is not conventional, however I am highly interested in the position and feel that you did not see all the benefits I offer as an employee."

Something along those lines would allow you to make up some ground if they accept the offer, plus it shows them you realized the interview did not go as planned for either side. Thoughts?

Comment by Bethany Stanford on April 13, 2011 at 10:15pm: I think practice helps quite a bit. I think notes also help. Writing down answers beforehand for some common answers will be helpful if you freeze. Writing notes during the interview is also beneficial but make sure to keep eye contact as much as possible.