Quick overview (well, quick-ish): I worked at an organization for a year on a contract. I then applied for a job and got an interview. As part of the selection process, I had to present to a group of my peers/colleagues. I should say that I didn?t know them well, partly because I had very young kids at the time and very much concentrated on getting the job done in the hours available rather than 'networking' (nearly all of which would require being excessively polite to mainly middle-aged men who consistently and repeatedly forgot my name and/or confused me with the other woman with kids in the department).
The presentation went badly, and I didn?t get the job although the feedback was confusing. That I was considered entirely capable of doing the job by the selection panel but that I had ?no support? from the existing team. I swing between total mortification and sort of real anger about the whole process which felt brutal.
Anyway, I have now been asked to go to a meeting at this place which will be attended by many of the people who sat in the presentation. I just don?t think I can face it. I just feel that I put myself on the line, fell flat on my face, and was found massively wanting. Now I can?t bear the thought of sitting in a room with a load of people who have decided I am crap.
Is that pathetic? Should I get over myself and get a grip? What would you do?