Had a terrible interview - still cringing

[Originalnaya]

I work in a large firm and had seen a role advertised on the internet within a very small sector that I would absolutely love to work in (in the same firm) - it would be a secondment style opportunity.

Today I had a more “formal chat” with the big boss and it was incredibly embarrassing. She was very affable but grilled me on the technical areas eg it’s a strategy type role and she quizzed me on how I would assess markets/segment them/drivers/why particular companies would be of more or less interest to certain customers within the context of an industry I’m familiar with. I gave the questions a go and performed better in some than others. However I still found it hard going and at time dried up. SHe seemed to acknowledge this (my day to day job has quite a different slant) and made some concession towards it, saying that she would give me the opportunity to try out a further task that they encourage applicants to attempt, a second interview “to see if I would enjoy the job”.

I’m so embarrassed at how it went and how ignorant/flustered I must have sounded at tiles. It’s very much the type of job where they need a cool and calm presence with clients, however I feel that with the benefit of learning about it, I would really enjoy it. Still feel so stressed.

Anyone have any words of wisdom?

Bumping x

The problem is they are generally trying to fill a role with someone who can do it. While there are times you take on someone who isn't experienced they will usually hit all the requirements.

I do sympathise as I was in a similar situation recently where I was trying to move to the level up in my career and it became clear after a few interviews that I just wasn't where I needed to be. Much as I thought that I could be there within a few months in the role for the people hiring and the salary being offered they wanted someone who could do it from day one.

What I ended up doing was leaving my employer for a sideways (and slightly up role) to expand my experience and see how the same objectives were achieved by different means. I did a nine month contract and have just started a new contract this week again a step up and moving closer to my goal.

On the plus side interviewers are used to flustered and rambling answers. I've certainly heard a few when interviewing and being interviewed.

Don’t worry! Maybe if this doesn’t work out, but you are genuinely interested in the area, you could do some training (or even self training by reading) to get yourself more familiar with the analysis tools you would need. And then you could try again!

Have you heard back, was it definitely a no? Could you ask for feedback? It's never comfortable, but could help you to feel more confident next time? I'm sure it wasn't as bad as you think! I felt like I did really badly on the interview for my current job. I mentioned it to my boss recently, there was one question that I felt I messed up totally. Apparently it didn't come across that way at all so you never know!

At least you know what they are looking for in that role now.
I would say that there is nothing that you can’t learn on the job.
If your boss has suggested you try a further task towards the job then they must see something in you or they would have just told you that you are not suitable.
Don’t look at all the negatives but focus on the fact that, ok, you didn’t know all the answers but but at least you knew some of them. I’d say give it a go. What have you got to loose?

Thanks all - it hasn’t been a definite no but she looked uncomfortable/even frustrated at times? May be me overthinking but lots of pinching bridge of nose etc... I’m probably overthinking!! Is it worth following up to thank for time and enquire into possible next steps?

I think it's definitely worth following up - good luck!