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AIBU?

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Original poster

To cancel job interview?

32 replies

quiettimes · 25/05/2023 22:28

I had a job interview 3 weeks ago and thought it went well…found out I was unsuccessful today and it’s thrown me off. I actually have another job interview tomorrow- it’s the same team, different role. I now feel like cancelling in case I run into the same panel members and just embarrass myself. The timing couldn’t be worse. I get really nervous beforehand and obviously said “too much” and didn’t give enough substance in my brain fog.

this is the interview feedback, it wasn’t even a near miss, they gave me a low score for 3 out of 8 questions!

“showed lots of potential and clearly understands the criteria for each behaviour- often using buzzwords throughout answers. The panel felt that at times the answers lacked structure although all answers were spoken at a good pace and care was taken to listen to the question. For future interviews the candidate may benefit from focussing more on the initiative and the actions took as opposed to the processes that were followed and clarify in each example exactly what the task was.
The questions were answered well although at times a little longer than needed.”

OP posts:
saltinesandcoffeecups · 26/05/2023 00:38

That’s not bad feedback at all.

Here’s what read from it. You listened and understood the questions…instead of getting into unnecessary process details talk about what you did. It’s a hard balance to get right.

It’s hard to describe but imagine they are already vaguely aware of the details where you work so you can spend less time on that and more time on what you achieved. If you have to throw in information to give context, do it sparingly.

I’m trying to think of an example that makes sense…here goes…
You’re a cake decorator…

Question- tell me about a time you fixed a problem

Not great Answer: The front counter people would take the orders for specialty cakes and write it down in a big notebook we kept on the counter. You were at the mercy of that person to capture relevant details and include them in what was written up. They never really understood that green icing doesn’t work on chocolate cake but the red icing which is normally ok was a bad batch that month, we had decided that only yellow icing was to go on the chocolate cakes until we’d used up the red on the vanilla cake. I made up an order sheet that walked them through all of the questions the should ask and I posted each week anything special they should know.

Better Answer: We found that having the front counter people take specialty cake orders wasn’t working for a variety of reasons. I created a form template to replace the notebook they were using, that walked them through the standard questions that decorators need to know. Such as allergies, special requirements, etc. I then posted a ‘things you need to know” bulletin that kept them up to date on the things they wouldn’t otherwise know about. I then was able to communicate to all the counter staff at the same time eliminating the word of mouth method. The last thing I suggested and developed was a rotating schedule for decorators to review the new orders daily and call customers if anything was unclear. After all of these were implemented our Ratings went up 2 points and our refunds went down 10%.

Good Luck!

barmycatmum · 26/05/2023 00:18

Actions vs processes is: tighten it up, keep it broader and more concise, don’t go into detail about how you did things.

I think this is amazing that they sent you this feedback, and remember, it’s for growth- it’s not a judgement of you as a person - it has nothing to do with your value at ALL.

it could be exciting, if you reframe it for yourself that it’s like a game, you get to try again for practice.

just have fun with it- rather than skip it, see it as a practice tool just for you, for your learning and growth.

You can do it !

Original poster
quiettimes · 26/05/2023 00:12

I just feel full of butterflies and can’t sleep. What do you think it means to focus on actions vs processes? I remember saying I followed hr guidance with performance management for example

OP posts:
Jonniecomelately · 25/05/2023 22:46

Don't be put off. We recently interviewed 3 people and they were all really good and any of them could have got to job. There were only really minor differences.

Cakeandslippers · 25/05/2023 22:40

This is useful feedback- go for it! My advice would be to pay attention to this feedback and really focus on the task, what you did, how you did it and the result and not on the process surrounding this. Its a common thing people do in interviews, try not to be disheartened - this isn't bad feedback at all. "Showed lots of potential " is super positive and to me reads like you need to refine and practice a bit.

Go for it and good luck!

Weallgottachangesometime · 25/05/2023 22:38

Just take the feedback and give it a shot. Even if you are unsuccessful a second time at least you would have tried.

She it as a challenge to overcome. It’s very brave to go back for another shot.

destinyh · 25/05/2023 22:34

you should go for it! The worst that can happen is that you receive more advice. It sounds like a great team if they took the time to write you the advice.

Take on board their feedback and give it your best shot. I am an employer and the best thing someone can do is to email me right after with anything they felt they missed out in the interview. If you feel you have more to add theres always this option.

Goodluck!