I missed my job interview. Nerves took over :(

[LuluMelons]

First job interview in years after being a sahm. I prepared everything, had notes, practiced in the mirror. But the moment I got to the doors, I just couldn't go in. I was panicking, thinking that I don't have the confidence, worrying about stumbling over my words or not knowing how to answer a question.

The company are going to blacklist me now aren't they? I feel stupid.

I have another interview on Wednesday and I hope the same doesn't happen again as I really need to start bringing money in to the house now that DD gets more childcare.

I am rubbishbat interviews, I've cried, in multiple interviews! Sat in silence looking terrified, I once threw up on the table!
But you will never see these people again if you suck, but if you don't go at all you never will get the chance to get it right.

Go to your next one if its bad who cares! when will you ever seen them again! If it's good, woohoo, but you won't get the chance of being good stoodnoutside.

I've cried, in multiple interviews! Sat in silence looking terrified, I once threw up on the table!

Oh my goodness! The worst that's ever happened to me was an awkward silence. Good on you foe actually going to the interview.

Honestly don't sweat it. I used to train people to recruit. Interviewers are mostly:
Nervous themselves
Worrying about getting the right person
Wanting the whole thing to be over with so they can get back to their day job
Busy writing stuff down
Trying not to make themselves or their company look stupid
Wondering what they'll cook for tea
Being annoyed at themselves for not going to the loo first
Hoping their colleagues don't nick all the biscuits whilst they're gone

I have also thrown up half way through an interview before (in the bin in the corner of the room) - can't think why I didn't get that job. I get really nervous before interviews and I work as a recruitment manager!

Would seeing as a practice help ?

My place were recruiting recently and more than half the candidates didn't show up don't sweat it, they'll be used to it.

Would seeing as a practice help ?

Sorry what do you mean?

Southern

Good to know it's not uncommon. I was thinking of sending them an email to see if they would schedule another interview, but I doubt it.

LittleMiss

Thank you- I'm a bit more at ease now, well mentally.

The interview I have coming up I, I've spoken to the interviewer over the phone. She said she liked me so I'm hoping to impress her with all my prep. She's quite bullish, but nice at the same time if that makes sense.

I interviewed a girl once for medical school entry. She was really nervous and actually cried for the whole 30 minute interview. Literally tears running down her face. My fellow interviewer and I asked if she was ok, and she just said she was really nervous, but wanted to continue. She did really well answering the questions, scored very highly. Showed remarkable courage and ability to function well under stress. I was delighted when she was offered a place, and she did very well as a medical student.
My point is that interviewers expect you to be nervous. Even if something does go wrong, just demonstrate honesty and self awareness, and any half decent interviewer will recognise those as valuable strengths.
Good luck

I suggest that you write to the employer to apologise that you were unable to attend, no need to give a reason. You may be right that you won’t get an interview at the moment but in a while you may want to apply there again. At that point you will have up to date work experience and if you are a good fit they might consider you. It might also be a good idea if you may come across the firm in any new job.

Best wishes and good luck.

OP I know how you feel. I had an interview today. My first in 16 years. I have hardly slept for days and was physically sick this morning. I so nearly emailed to cancel. When I got to the door I was struggling to go in but I remembered what my dp said to me last night “you have nothing to lose by going”. I don’t believe I will get the job but it was good to get experience of how interviews are set up now as opposed to the last time I went to one many years ago and to give me an insight for the next time. I have also been able to make some notes for if I am lucky enough to get another interview. Don’t beat yourself up. Even getting invited for an interview means you are doing great. Good luck

I have interviewed before in my old role and can honestly say I was just as nervous as being interviewed myself! I hated it!

I'd email them, apologise obviously and ask to be reconsidered for an interview when they've been through the other candidates. Can't hurt.

you have nothing to lose by going

True.

It’s a big step, and even prepping etc can be stressful, so don’t be too hard on yourself! For your next interview remember that some nerves are good as it shows that you care about the interview and want the job; but it’s good to show you can control them to an extent too. The interviewers should hopefully make you feel at ease and comfortable, and worst case it’s great experience- if you’ve secured several interviews already shows you are a good candidate :)

Interviewers can mess up too, not just the candidate.
I went for an interview and the previous candidate came out of the interview while I was waiting to go in. She had a puzzled look on her face.
Anyway, I go in and have my interview and all the time I'm thinking "this doesn't sound like the job description that the recruitment agency gave me". So I keep going, thinking that I need to make a good impression and that it's some kind of test.
After the interview I ring the agency to say that I don't want the job. It turns out that the other candidate was interviewed for the role I was going for and I was interviewed for the one that she was going for.

I like reading people's interview experiences. Makes me feel better to know anything can go wrong on either side. I wonder if there's a thread on MN?

EFT
Google Gary Craig...quick!