How do you forget about a bad interview

[MoRaw]

Hi

I had an interview yesterday and I don't think it went particularly well (mainly because I was not as prepared as I would have liked and some of the questions were unexpected). I simply cannot shake the disappointed feeling. I will know the result at the end of next week but I feel so anxious that I cannot relax. I just want to know NOW! I am so tempted to call them but I know that this might be a disastrous move.

Any advice on how to put this behind me?

I wish I did, it's very stressful. I am quite good at getting interviews but never get any further.
Most interviewers will give feedback if asked, I have also found that if you haven't got the job, the promised phone call to let you know can take a long time coming.

I did an interview yesterday. I know I did well - they said excellent answer at one point and there was lots of nodding. I also did that thing where you've already answered the question. And I'd brought samples of work with me which impressed them. But I bombed the last question.

They said I'd hear next week but I never believe them. I've always been called the same day when I've got the job.

I sympathise. It is crap when you know you didn't perform well at interview.

That said - it doesn't mean you won't get to the next stage - same as feeling that it went well doesn't always result in an offer / 2nd interview.

My advice is DO NOT call them - that will achieve nothing positive, but DO put this to good use and make sure you prepare differently for future interviews.

Thanks for the kind responses. I just wish they would not let me wait so long to know. They must have at least had an impression as to whether or not I am in the mix for a next stage interview. So many times today I thought about concocting reasons to call them.

I know all of this is down to me controlling my anxiety and that there is nothing I can do about it but wait. I am just not doing a good job of being calm and waiting. It is almost unbearable. I wish I was able to handle such situations better.

The last external interview I had went so badly that I cried when I finally got out of the room. I felt it had gone similarly to yours - I too felt unprepared.

A week later they rang and offered me the job. I was gobsmacked and said "you're kidding, right?". How professional

So don't give up just yet!

Hi, whilst the interview is still in your mind, write down as many of the questions you can remember, and also how you answered them. If you have the inclination (maybe not right now!) You can reflect on how you might have answered them differently. It might help you prepare differently for the next stage / another interview. Good luck!

I don't know if this will make you feel any better but I vomited half way through an interview once (in the bin in the corner - classy). I interview for a living and have seen people break down in tears before and also those who completely clam up (what can you tell me about what a job title for the role your applying for does? - "Nothing"). Its horrible when it's a job you really want but it's all good practice for the next one.

I really do appreciate the encouragement and the very funny stories/experiences. It makes me feel better. I would have rather left feeling that I did my best. Then I would be satisfied with the outcome if it is a 'no'.

daisydalrymple, I am so disheartened by the whole thing, I can barely remember the questions. I mainly recall and feel the feeling I had during and immediately after the interview. I will do the exercise you have suggested in a week's time. I fear that if I will myself to do it now, I will feel horrible.

MowRaw - I hope you're feeling better about this now.. honestly - if you had not had a rubbish interview, you would never have the opportunity to improve..

There are loads and loads of interview prep websites.. go through them, practice practice practice, and prepare.

Your next interview should be a huge improvement xxxx

Just an update. It turns out that I did well enough to be called for the final stage interview. This happened today. Felt overall that I gave it a good stab. However, at points, a couple of the interviewers looked tired and uninterested. I now think that perhaps there were better candidates earlier in the day and they were just going through the motions. I want to remain positive but can't help think this is a bad sign. I think I may have been the 4th or 5th candidate that was interviewed and they probably had another 2 to go.

I am glad it's over. It has taken a lot out of me. Already feel disappointed though I live in hope.

Can you tell when an interview has gone well and you have gotten the job? Is it a feeling you get? What is a good predictor?