To sink into the abyss after an awful job interview

[Ouch21]

Just had an interview for a job I was really interested in (and thought I'd be good at) But as typical, the more enthusiastic I am about a job, the more nervous I get when I should be making a good impression.

By the time the interview came around I was clammy, short of breath, and struggling to control my nerves in a really big way.

I could feel myself slowly losing their approval as it progressed, and am now despairing over some of the answers I gave. Especially because when I get nervous I just keep talking to fill any silence.

Should I write an email to say 'thank you' and maybe add in some relevant points about why I think I could be an asset, leave it and pray for a miracle, or just start looking for more jobs to apply to?

Saying thanks for the interview is a good step and asking for feedback. The job interview will help you in future. Take it as learning whatever happens, remember the questions they asked and think more about how you could answer them differently. Knowing common competency based questions will help settle nerves.

I’m absolutely positive that it was nowhere near as bad as you think.

Ah that sucks!

It couldn't harm to email them if you think you can make it concise a d add 'extra' info you forgot in the heat if the moment. Just as long as you know it probably wont change things. But might make you feel better.

Chalk this one up to practice. Look into techniques that might help you stay calm next time.

Good luck on the job hunt!

I had one of those interviews once! Really wanted the job was a nervous wreck and ended chatting a load of shit and giggling I never giggle! I dont know what happened but I knew from the second I left I hadn't got the job.
I now have a much better job than that one dont beat yourself up, something else will come along

The problem is I probably have more of a confidence issue than anything else. I also had an interview on Tuesday but because the job wasn't one I was really passionate about, I think I probably performed better than in this one (which sort of feels like an amazing way to self sabotage, but I genuinely can't control it). I was unable to sleep last night, and have been having nightmares/shortness of breath/anxiety for the whole of yesterday and then today.

I just genuinely don't know how to manage it and how to appear confident in the moment, but it is just so frustrating when you're really trying to do well. I also did lots of preparation for this interview and made loads of notes prior to the interview itself to try and feel more confident.

When I am performing a role, apart from initial nerves when starting the job, I always get into my stride and do the best I can. I was made redundant in October (along with 15 other people) and the longer I am without work the worse I am finding it, especially as I feel much more pressure to be working again.

No don't, you will come off as desperate and unprofessional. They will not be able to take the extra info into account, it will be a standardised form completed for each interviewee at the time of interview. And if it's not, their HR is dodgy/nonexistent

Have a and congratulate yourself on finishing the thing at all. It could have been so much worse. Don't ask me how I know!

There will be another job!

I find the best way to shake off nerves is to know as much about the role and company as possible prior to the interview. Do research about what questions youd like to ask at the end of the interview and what non-specific nuances there might be.

There are all kinds of anecdotes about imagining people naked or similar(!) with interviews but for me it just comes down to preparation and trying to feed off nerves in a positive way.

I had an awful job interview Monday thought I was prepared but nerves just got the better of me. I haven't heard yet and did debate whether I should email or not with extra info. I have decided just to leave it for now. It is good experience whatever happens. Its not a bad idea to just ask for feedback generally though.

I have another one tomorrow so fingers crossed it goes better...

OP if they’re a good interviewer they will know nerves. Just send a thank you email. Definitely send a thank you email! Hopefully to the person you had the interview with. I did this just last week and it really did go far!

@wonderlust07 best of luck! I had a god awful interview not long ago. And there was no excuse for this woman’s behaviour!

Have been there and had that same godawful interview - at one point I just clammed up and went scarlet red. So so awful.

I learnt that to calm my nerves i really needed to spend a while studying common interview questions and ensuring i was in a position to confidently answer them based on my roles and experience.

This involves lots and lots and LOTS of practice, talk the answers through out loud to yourself until you have it clear.
Oh and by the way - the job interview I messed up? I got a call 2 months later from them offering it to me after their 1st candidate dropped out - but by then i'd already smashed two interviews and got another job.

Hundreds of good websites listing out all the common questions. Also I cannot recommend this book highly enough;

The Perfect Interview: All you need to get it right the first time, by Max Eggert

Oh and rescue remedy also helped me - probably placebo effect but still every little bit helps
Good luck.

thanks @Flufferbum I don't feel as nervous for tomorrow so hopefully that is a good sign.

Good luck for the interview @wonderlust07. I'm sure you'll do brilliantly.

Thank you @Snorkers for the book suggestion, I'll definitely have a look.

I know I need to combat the nervousness issue. Funnily enough I used to feel confident at the interview stage, but I think for some reason I've become less sure of myself and have just allowed the pressure to get to me.

But yes, it is always a learning thing. Hopefully I can at least use today to work on some issues and try to do better next time.