Whether an interview goes south or north, it's purely probability. But your personal preparation mentally and physically will ensure that you keep your head in the game.
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We can all point out an interview that went south drastically. These are the experiences that one never forgets. The embarrassment and shame stay etched in one’s memory for long.
The most devastating part about bad interview experiences is that you never plan for any of them. While you can never predict eventualities, you can pre-empt some.
Mercy 27, has never forgotten how she froze during an interview. She says that she had the answer to the question but fear got the best of her and she just kept quiet. Though the interviewers were gracious enough to give her a second chance, she had thought it was over.
But how does one prepare for unforeseen bad experiences in an interview?
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Emotional Intelligence - Anything can happen in an interview. You need to have your emotions in check. There is a famous quote that says you can only control how you react not how other people act. The interviewers might be abrasive. Other times they might test your patience and emotional control. You need to be ready psychologically. Study your triggers and learn how to maneuver through the situations. Always be tactful because any loss of control will be detrimental to your hopes for getting the job.
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Pay attention to red flags - As much as you are the candidate who is selling yourself to get an opportunity, the employer is doing the same. The employer should sell themselves as the company to be in. If they make small mistakes such as mistaking your name for another candidate you should pay attention. Remember your value and don’t stoop low for a mediocre employer. Experts at Career Cast advise that you should be wary of employers who sell a position too aggressively. If the recruiter is desperate to fill a position, it raises questions on their ability to retain talent. Visit various job boards and see how they perform when it comes to retaining a good workforce.
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Lack of feedback - Sometimes you do your best in an interview but you never end up getting the position. Worse still, some employers never respond after an interview. Other companies usually send a regret email which is vague and doesn’t offer concrete feedback. Career coaches advise that you should follow up with an email asking for specifics as to why you didn’t get the position. This can be an opportunity for you to grow and improve on your weaknesses. It will give you an edge in the next interview or opportunity since you have already eliminated some of your known weaknesses.
In conclusion
Uncertain eventualities will always be there. Whether an interview goes south or north, it's purely probability. But your personal preparation mentally and physically will ensure that you keep your head in the game. And if you lose, you win by gaining lessons that will propel you to another opportunity. Keep your mind open and conduct thorough research before you go into the next interview. It will go a long way in helping you achieve your career goals.
What are some of your bad interview experiences? Share with us in the comment section below.
