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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

I had an awful job interview today and I am bereft - AIBU to ask for your perspective?

93 replies

RubyWho · 14/08/2018 18:28

Interviewed for an executive manager role today, was invited to apply for the role (ie we have this coming up, we think you’d be a good fit, apply!)

I was more nervous than I usually am and some of my answers were subject to cross examining. No other word for it, exact phrase was “you said earlier “x y z. Why?” I felt stuck and lost and I’m really scared that I fucked this very badly up. I don’t know what came over me.

I am sad. I thought I’d have this in the bag? I did preface by saying “I apologise in advance, I’m incredibly nervous”.

Has anyone had a disasterous interview that turned out well in the end?

OP posts:

LyndorCake · 14/08/2018 20:54

Oh, I meant to add! I have ended up in a fantastic job now and it seems I ended up having a lucky escape as I think that role at the uni is being made redundant.
It may not work out the way you want it to, but that doesn't mean it won't work out!

Original poster

RubyWho · 14/08/2018 20:55

@EmerladVillage it wasn't the fact I was being challenged or asked to elaborate, I was expected that and am used to that, it was more:
Interviewer: Earlier on you said 'x y z'. Why? How would that work in building positive relationships arches eyebrow?

I was also really really pushed on why I wanted to work there specifically, and then my entry into the sector was questioned, i.e you started as just a 'role'. TBF, when that gem came out, Nice Interviewer did clear her throat and asked us to move on. (I came into the industry in a very entry level position in a different role to the one I am in now, as one would expect. I've been working in the industry for 15 years, 5 years in my current 'bit' of the industry...)

ANYHOO.

OP posts:

FrozenMargarita17 · 14/08/2018 20:57

OP the same thing happened to me last week. I just couldn't form words. I didn't get it but I'm trying to take it as a learning curve.

Urbanbeetler · 14/08/2018 20:59

I do think you still have a chance. Now don’t give it another thought until you hear from them!

Original poster

RubyWho · 14/08/2018 21:01

@LyndorCake That is...amazing? This role is a step up from what I am currently doing, but the same pay. (Yeah....hmmm).

I once came over very faint during an interview and had to stop my presentation to sit down. Boiling hot, period started as I was doing the presentation and I flooded. I motioned to the HR lady, and said I needed to take a break, and explained why.

I DID get the job! Weird.

OP posts:

catlady34 · 14/08/2018 21:01

I had an awful interview last week. Could hear my voice shaking as I spoke, brain was fuzzy, I was so relieved when I was out of there that I didn't even care that I'd completely f*ed it up. They called the next day and said I had the job you never know what the other candidates are like or what the company is really looking for, so don't give up hope until it's really over!

JenFromTheGlen · 14/08/2018 21:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

waxy1 · 14/08/2018 21:07

Don’t let a bad interview stop you going for more interviews.

MrsLucas · 14/08/2018 21:16

OP . Always difficult to predict these things...

Lyndor - I think I would have been impressed by your improvisation skills . Drawing things in real time sounds much more engaging than death by PP.

daisychain01 · 14/08/2018 21:21

At least then A) I will get some good, developmental feedback

This reminds me of an internal job I really wanted and thought my interview had gone well, but they took about 2 weeks to give me any news, so I completely lost confidence and spent day after day raking over my (what I believed to be) appalling performance.

I remember the manager calling me and asking me to find a room and call him back. I thought oh jeez, he's going to give me bad news, the developmental feedback etc, and didn't want me all upset in the middle of the office. I got the job!

I think you may be giving yourself a hard time like I did. Remember everyone who was interviewed was nervous.

LIVIA999 · 14/08/2018 21:35

My friend went for a job she really wanted and had a panic attack in the interview. She had to go and stand outside to calm down while the panel waited.
She was devastated to have blown it.
She actually got offered the job. They said they loved her and her honesty and how she dealt with the situation.
So I don't think you've blown it!
Like you said, even if you have then you have a good story to tell.

Original poster

RubyWho · 14/08/2018 21:40

Trying to think positively, if I don't get the job:

I will not have to dress formally every day, and will not have to blow a small fortune on business attire (v cas where I currently work);

2)There is another job I've just seen which I can apply for, I am well suited to it

I will be able to use all my leave up this year as it won't be pro rata so I can go on holiday!
Won't have to think about commuting from Outside Large City into Big City every day.
Can start next post-grad this year rather than next year.

Right, I am going to stop thinking about this for now (lies)

OP posts:

pandarific · 14/08/2018 22:31

I think often they challenge you more when they're serious about you as a candidate. Don't count yourself out op, your experience of it and what they thought are not necessarily one and the same.

pandarific · 14/08/2018 22:36

Also your question re: professional body isn't at all unprofessional, it's just a fair question - bet the answer was interesting? (Or if not it's not the real reason and the real reason is interesting!)

Nothing you've said here makes me think it was as much of a disaster as you think it was - fingers crossed for you.

Original poster

RubyWho · 14/08/2018 22:39

@pandarific - thank you :) The answer was interesting and was essential that the Prof Body lobbied more in their interests than the interests of their members. Was then told that Alternative Professional Body were more 'in line' with the organisation. I would NEVER have gotten a chance to ask or get an answer, so thought I'd ask whilst I had the opportunity (I was genuinely interested...)

OP posts:

Raindropsonmynose · 14/08/2018 22:58

@rubywho I regularly interview and hire senior managers and admitting nerves is totally fine . We all have off days and most people recognise that! If you care a lot about getting a job - the more nerves can attack you. Is there any particular part of the interview you think you didn’t sell yourself well? If so , I would send a follow up email summarising the interview and adding any additional points you feel you should have raised -
Also offer a follow up phone call if the interviewer has any more questions on their side. An interview is a process to assess mutual fit - showing you are keen to engage and help in the “getting to know you” process is a huge plus especially in a situation like yours where you have been in touch with the hiring manager. There have been a few interviews where I have come out thinking “Nash” but the follow up engagement from a candidate has changed our mind!

Original poster

RubyWho · 15/08/2018 13:13

Hi all,

Update - they’ve offered me the role. YES! Thanks for everyone’s stories and support x

OP posts:

TooTrueToBeGood · 15/08/2018 13:25

Woohoo! congratulations.

Puzzledandpissedoff · 15/08/2018 13:35

Fantastic news, Ruby - very well done

VelociraptorRex · 15/08/2018 13:42

Fantastic well done!

ChazsBrilliantAttitude · 15/08/2018 13:43

MyLearnedFriend · 15/08/2018 13:57

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Nacreous · 15/08/2018 14:02

Well done!

I had a similarly confusing interview; they asked me how I would get on with the team given my accent and background It was very odd, but I got that job.

pandarific · 15/08/2018 14:46

KNEW IT - they only push you if they really want you. Well done op!

serbska · 15/08/2018 15:00

KNEW IT - they only push you if they really want you

Agree.

Well done OP!!!!

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