Interview nightmares: Dusting yourself off after a tricky interview

Ah, the mighty job interview. You never know what to wear, wondering if you’ll get lost on the way and unsure what to truly expect... wondering if it's going to turn into an interview nightmare. Once it’s over and done with, you’ll always question how you did even if it appeared to go smoothly.

You should never fear; if something you do or say leaves you cringing, it isn’t the end of the world. The interviewer might not have picked up on it at all. If they did, go forward and evaluate what to do differently next time.

Interview nightmares: Personal Panda experiences 

We pandas wanted to let you in on some of our own interview conundrums, which ended in many different outcomes!

Neil

When interviewing for his position here at cranberry towers, Neil had a very NSFW slip of the tongue. It went a little something like this:

Jonathan: “What did you get up to this weekend?”

Neil: I went to go see ‘The Motherf****r With The Hat”

Jonathan: Huh? What did you say?

Neil: It’s a new play that’s currently on at the National Theatre

Jonathan: OHH I see HAHAHAH

Neil: That was awkward (Neil thankfully got past this)

Miles

About 2 hours before an interview, I got a message saying that the original interviewer wouldn’t be able to see me but the owner had been briefed and to go and see him. When I got there, I found out that the original interviewer had actually been let go from the company that day and the owner had neither clue who I was nor what I was being interviewed for. This all led to a very awkward coffee with the owner who just seemed annoyed at the situation. It ended positively with an offer to follow up, but I decided to let that cha cha slide. (Miles was able to take the awkwardness of this encounter, and realise it wasn’t the right fit. Positive outcome in the end!)

Kate

I had an interview once, where the interviewer asked me if I would like a glass of water. Being overly British, awkward and polite, I declined sweetly “No thank you, I’m fine…” The interview went on for what seemed ages, with A LOT of talking. I then realised what a big mistake I had made, as my throat felt increasingly like I had swallowed sand, clearing my throat throughout the interview… I got the job however; always remember the water is key to not sounding like a horse in an interview. (Another positive outcome, but try to be as comfortable as you can before you settle in the hot seat!)

Haley

As I entered the room to be interviewed the interviewer immediately threw an imaginary orange at me (guess he wanted to see my reaction!). I ‘caught’ it, and said, “I quite fancied an orange.” (Well played Haley!)

Chris

About ten minutes into an interview, I realised I had left my earphones in. The interviewer said nothing and, afterwards, I never saw or spoke to him again. (Bad times! Always be sure you are ready and presentable before you report your arrival. Take a breather, and be ready to make a good impression.) 

What to take from a job interview

If you feel it didn’t go to plan, reflect why you feel that. As seen from the pandas, it doesn’t always end in disaster. If you sadly don’t land the role, here’s what to do:

• Ask for feedback: Don’t hesitate to find out why the role was not meant to be. Kindly ask what could be done differently, to pinpoint a potential weakness in your strategy.
• What did you feel went badly? If there was a certain area you feel you faltered on (eye contact, speaking confidently and clearly etc) WORK ON IT! You know how to play to your strengths, so why not clear away what you consider the weaknesses?
• Breathe: That’s right, just relax and breathe. So the role wasn’t meant to be, but guess what? There are other roles out there, and you are back in the driver seat. Be safe in the knowledge that the interview experience, good and bad, is now ammo under your belt for the next time! 

There is always a solution! Don't let your panda adventure end here - take a look at more career advice and tips.