Navigating Post-Interview Feelings: How to Move Forward After a Poor Job Interview

Going into a job interview, you put in countless hours of preparation, honing your skills, and researching the company. After the anxiety and effort, the interview itself can be a mixed bag of emotions. If you felt the interview went poorly, you’re not alone. Here’s how to move forward and turn a difficult interview experience into a learning opportunity.

Learning from the Negative: Why a Bad Interview Isn’t All-Generic

It’s important to remember that a single bad interview doesn’t define your entire candidacy. Many factors contribute to an interview going poorly, and often it’s not your fault. You might have had an off day, or the interviewer’s bad mood may have affected the atmosphere. Don’t beat yourself up over a single misstep; instead, use it as a chance to improve.

If you realize you made a mistake or were unsure about something, resolve to prepare better next time. Focus on the positive aspects of the interview, such as the questions you answered well, and use these as a springboard for further development.

Improving Interviewing Skills: Taking Action

The interview is just one part of the hiring process, but it’s a crucial one. If you didn’t perform as well as you hoped, it’s time to take action and improve your interviewing skills. Start by learning about common interview techniques and best practices.

There are many resources available online, including books, classes, and videos on YouTube. Focus on key areas such as preparation, understanding the company, and techniques for a relaxed demeanor during the interview. Preparation includes knowing the company’s history, their mission, and recent developments.

Think about the following questions:

Where is the company located? What is their company culture like? How do they value their employees? What are the company’s goals and values?

During the interview, aim to ground yourself and maintain a calm, confident demeanor. Answer questions thoroughly without overexplaining. For example, when asked why you want to work for the company, conduct research beforehand and provide specific reasons.

Be Patient and Persistent: More Interviews Mean Better Skills

It takes time and practice to get better at interviews. The more you interview, the more you’ll understand what works and what doesn’t. Treat each interview as an opportunity to learn and improve.

After each interview, seek feedback on what you did well and what you could improve. Be specific and look for actionable insights. This will help you refine your approach for future interviews.

Don’t Overthink It: Move Forward with Confidence

While it’s natural to feel down after a poor interview, try not to overthink the outcome. You might not have received positive feedback, but there are many reasons why a recruiter or hiring manager might still view you favorably.

One example of this is a story about a recruiter who was told he had bombed an interview. He later applied to the same company for a different position and was offered the job. The reason? The first interviewer had noted he was too experienced for the role he initially applied for, and the company found a suitable position for him later.

Remember, you can’t control how others perceive you, but you can control how you behave and how you prepare for future interviews. Even if you felt nervous or unsure, you might have conveyed genuine enthusiasm that was appreciated by the interviewer.

Follow Up Appropriately: Reaching Out for Clarification

Regardless of the outcome, it’s a good idea to reach out for clarification if you didn’t receive a response. If the interviewer mentioned a specific timeframe, follow up within that time frame. If no timeframe was given, wait around two weeks before sending a polite follow-up. This shows your interest and persistence without being pushy.

Meanwhile, keep exploring other job opportunities. Continue to work on your skills and interview techniques, and don’t give up on finding the right fit for you.

Good luck!

Joey Alexander