I just messed up a job interview

[CathyTre]

I just really messed up a job interview for a job I really wanted by panicking when they threw me a curve ball question. I should have anticipated it, but I didn’t and although I corrected my (fairly catastrophically) wrong answer at the end, I feel like I can’t stop kicking myself.

My partner says I need to let it go and just be prepared for that question next time, but I can’t stop fretting.

It was my absolutely ideal job too.

I guess I know IABU because it’s done now.

Hugs. I’ve messed up one too today, so you’re not alone. Fingers crossed all goes ok for you (not too bothered about mine).

You corrected the answer at the end so it's not all bad. You may yet be successful but if not, your partner is absolutely right. You won't be thrown by that question again, and the experience of dealing with curve balls will stand you in good stead.

Thank you, I hope you’re works out ok! Good that you’re not too bothered.

I can’t stop thinking about how I should have answered correctly the first time and feeling sad because I really, really liked the idea of the job and honestly think I would have been good at it.

Try not to beat yourself up. It's done now, and whatever the outcome, you'll never be caught it by the question again. And you may well have done far better than you think. I had a similar experience at my last interview, but got it - if it was a curve ball, others are likely to have done the same as you

Yours not you’re!

I am impressed you recovered enough to correct yourself at the end. Not everyone would have done that even if they had worked out the correct answer.

For all you know they wanted to see how you handled it rather than whether you were perfect in an artificial situation.

It’s something I REALLY should have got right the first time, but I just panicked because it’s a complicated issue and made me instantly anxious. Sorry, can’t be more specific, but it was an uncomfortable question and it took me a little while to process it and say the right thing.

I do a fair amount of hiring. If your qualifications are good you could easily still be in the running. Lots of great employees don't interview all that brilliantly.

Being able to notice your mistake, own it and correct it is something many people can't do. Your performance might be seen more positively than you think.

Hands up who has never panicked/messed up a job interview. Doubt there is many hands. Hopefully it will be okk but if not then put it down to experience and move on. Also worth asking for feed back as well if you don,t get it.

Thank you! The interviewers were really nice about it, but I think it’s made me look bad and I feel really anxious about it. Also sad because I genuinely was really keen on the workplace and felt the job would have been really rewarding and exactly what I’d like to do and be good at.

Ahhhh it’s a horrible feeling. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to beat yourself up too much. Have a glass of wine x

@CathyTre

Thank you! The interviewers were really nice about it, but I think it’s made me look bad and I feel really anxious about it. Also sad because I genuinely was really keen on the workplace and felt the job would have been really rewarding and exactly what I’d like to do and be good at.

That enthusiasm will have come through loud and clear and count greatly in your favor. There's no faster way for a candidate to get binned than being lukewarm about wanting the job.

Unless you stated your intention to commit a terrorist act or support Donald Trump in the upcoming election I wouldn't be quite so concerned.

I'm sure it will be fine OP. Was it a first or second interview? Maybe you could use the second interview to explain further :) keep smiling

We have all been there! I do think a lot of interviews are a bit bonkers with their questions these days. I have been in my current job about 4yrs, and one of the people who interviewed me is now my manager.

It came up in conversation a coupe of years after, that they have a scoring process to the questions. My boss told me I was neck and neck against another candidate, but that my sense of humour apparently stood out when they asked the old question ''Where do you see yourself in 10yrs?'' and I panic answered ''Possibly having a mid life crisis!''.

I kicked myself! Convinced I hadn't got it. Turns out, that was the thing they remembered a couple of years down the line even!

If they liked you, you would be a good fit, your qualifications are suitable (if relevant) and you were personable, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. They probably won't rule you out because you fluffed it initially then corrected it.

I've done hundreds of interviews, messed up loads (I was offered the job for one where I scarcely understood the questions, let alone knew the answers) and interviewed plenty of nice people who I picked because they'd get along with the team more than anything else - including the bloke who had all the answers to his test on the back of his question paper, courtesy of me being a tool. Even he blew us out at the last minute.

We've all been there, OP. You don't know for sure if you've got it or not but if you haven't...as the Irish say, if it's for you, it won't go by you.

That happened to me a little while ago. It was my dream role and I got some pretty brutal feedback. It won’t happen again, I’m stronger and much more prepared for next time x

Thank you! It was the only interview but the second time of meeting with the employers.

They said they would be making a decision on Friday so I suppose at least it’s not a huge wait for the outcome, and I know you’re all right that at least I’ll be prepared for it another time and deal with it better.

I’m just beating myself up for not getting it right first time. I was really nervous already and now I’ve just screwed it up.

However! I know I do need to get over it and just deal with it better next time. Thank you 😊

I voted yabu but only because you are being way too hard on yourself. You don't know you blew it and even if this job doesn't work out you will be very well prepared for your next interview. Hugs to you though.

@IsAnybodyListening that reminds me - I had a disaster at a very prestigious city firm. I initially changed my mind about the job and cancelled the interview, but I was (apparently) such a perfect fit the agency pushed for me to rebook. I did and it went fine, so there was a second interview - and on the day that was due to take place, I woke up with the raging shits and had to cancel again. They rearranged AGAIN and I got the job! Unbelievable, I said to my manager a year or so later, you must've thought I was terribly flaky? He nodded sagely but said I was the only person who could manage the total arseholes in the team who hated each other.

Dont worry op. I had interview few months back. They said I was v nervous. Other girl had bit more on the CV. Anyway we can learn from these things. Not easy when you in the room!

You sound like me, I always focus on the one thing that went wrong in an interview and absolutely torture myself over it, even if it later turns out I got the job! I don't think there's much you can do to avoid beating yourself up except to know that in time, the painfulness of the memory will fade - and until Friday you can comfort yourself with the knowledge that this one cock up might not have been decisive. As you say, you corrected yourself anyway. Interviewers expect you to be nervous and for that to impact the answers you give. Good luck.

Most of us have stuffed up an interview at some point. I had an atrocious civil service one once. AT the end I was asked if I had any questions for them, 'Yes, can I go now please' was my response. I did not get the job.