To be gutted that I did not get that job!

[Alliwantisaroomsomewhere]

I had all the credentials. My presentation could not have been better. I worked on it for hours and made copies for all the assessors, filed neatly blah blah blah.

I was told that I can ring them tomorrow to get feedback.

I am looking to change direction but to stay in the same field. Today was my first interview and assessment for the new type of role that I really, really, REALLY want. But what if I am just plain old crap at it? What if my chosen career path is not for me?

AIBU to think that seeing I failed so miserably, I may be barking up the wrong tree? I am gutted .

You haven't got the feedback yet so I wouldn't say you failed miserably. The feedback might be that you did a fantastic job and there was someone else with a bit more experience and they got the job but we are going to keep you in mind if something else comes up. I would wait to hear what they have to say tomorrow before you make any decisions!

It's a horrible feeling not to get a job, especially when you have worked so hard. You have to try and see it that you were great but they just had someone slightly better, maybe someone who had more experience already in the field - maybe even an internal candidate.

Also that you can learn from this interview in order to succeed more at the next one. It sounds simplistic but it really helps if you can think of it as a dress rehearsal.

It's hard to get honest, constructive feedback from interviewers but think of the questions you might reasonably get answers to, such as asking them if it may be worth you getting some short-term work experience in the new area of work or if you would be better off doing a course or training?

Books always say that to get a job or promotion, you should act as though you already have it - dressing the part, reading the relevant journals/newsletters/newspaper sections, attending conferences etc.

My top tip for interviews is not just to prepare the information but prepare yourself, make yourself feel good (nice bath, makeup, outfit, whatever) and also take the time to write a list of achievements and good qualities about yourself and if possible, take it into the interview. I did this and glanced at it every now and again; it boosted my confidence when I had a moment of nerves and helped me stay focused.

Best of luck for the next one!

There's hundreds of applicants for so few jobs these days. At least you got an interview.
You haven't failed, you were just unlucky this time.
Keep trying, it's really HARD out there, though you're perfectly entitled to have a wallow.

Yep, I should have added - definitely have a wallow and a tonight, you're very entitled.

p.s. that's my first MN emoticon.

Thank you, thank you, thank you! I feel as if I need permission to wallow a bit and that is what I was given. I am SO upset - probably need a good cry. (Poor Dh when he gets home).

When I say that I did what I could for the role, I did just that: dressed the part, prepared, looked at mock interviews online, wrote my heart out in the written assessment etc. So I know that I could not have done more.

Thanks so much for the support. I really to appreciate it, and yes, definitely some on the cards tonight.

Cannot believe how completely and utterly crap I feel about this.

SydneyS, that's a goddam awful situation for you to be in, too. Hope you are sorted by now.

Blonderthanred: I am honoured to be the first recipient of a MN emoticon from you. Wow!!!!

SydneyS, my application was also in academia of sorts... though FE and not HE! I micro-teached my tits off! The Class were so involved and I loved every minute of it. But, hey, such is life.

Thanks for replying to my dead dull OP.

I'm so sorry that you didn't get the job, OP. I've been in the exact same position and it's worse somehow having done what you thought was a fantastic interview, been very prepared.

Definitely get the feedback - ring up for it when you've got past your upset stage and are ready to listen and glean every bit of good advice you can get from the interviewer.

... then dust yourself off and notch that experience under your belt to prepare you for the next interview, which may be your dream job and you'll bee here posting for congratulations... which you'll heartily be given.

OP that's awful and my sympathies to you.

Do you know how many were applied / were interviewed?

Competiton is indeed fierce these days. I have been thinking of taking on an Assistant but at the moment weighing up the pros and cons however even without advertising (just a casual remark to an agency which rang touting for business) I have received several speculative CVs.

That's a really lovely post, Lying. Thank you!

(oops re my last post: micro-teached??? Micro TAUGHT of course !)

The situation out there is so tough.
Over the last couple of years I have been on interview panels where in all honesty we could have appointed several people to the post, knowing they would all do an excellent job. It then comes down to maybe a Relatively minor factor- either someone has a really specific bit of experience, or maybe it's about balancing the team, and some can offer something which makes for a better balance to the team overall. So dont assume you've got anything wrong.

Thanks, callmemrs. I called for feedback today but unfortunately the HR person and I missed each other. I am a bit calmer now and I accept maybe I am not shite at what I want to do - maybe someone was better, or knew the team, or had been the college etc etc etc.

Who knows. I appreciate all the supportive posts, though. Thanks!

I phoned for feedback and was given useful and sensible constructive criticism which I accept and can use.

So I do not feel so bad about it after all. I was not the best candidate despite my enormous ego...

Thanks for the posts. I appreciated the support!