How to Recover from a Bad Interview   by Stephen Waller

in Careers / Interviews    (submitted 2011-09-19)

So you blew it. You feel terribly embarrassed of your failure as you go over the questions again and again in your mind. You're probably thinking "I don't stand a chance now", or "How to find a job after all this?" A bad job interview can happen to everyone. There are just some times when we arrive late, display inappropriate behavior, become overly nervous, or give off the wrong impression. It may be easier to regret what happened, or even complain and become depressed. However, doing these things won't really do you any good. Instead, it is better to accept the mistake done and use the experience to recover and learn.

You may think that you have no chance of getting that job after a bad interview. That is not true, especially if you employ all available resources to prove your competence to your potential employer. And even if you don't get the job, there are many ways with which you can make the most out of your situation. Here are some tips on how to bounce back from a bad interview.

Assess the Job Interview
You may be ready to forget the whole thing and move on in applying for a job. However, the best thing to do would be to evaluate the interview from an objective point of view, and assess the things you felt you did wrong. Go over or write things which you believe you can improve on, such as important details you forgot to mention, mannerisms and actions which portrayed anxiety, and answers to questions which you didn't do very well in. Being aware of your mistakes can help you correct your mistakes with your potential employer or maybe give you lessons on how to find a job in the future.

Send a Thank You Note and Follow Up
Instead of considering the job interview as a loss, remain hopeful and take necessary measures to correct your mistakes and change the employer's impression of you. In applying for a job, it is equally important to leave some form of correspondence, such as a thank you email or a follow up letter, which portrays your continued interest in the position and your gratitude to the interviewer for sparing his/her time. This is also the best time to clarify some of your mistakes with your interviewer and sell yourself for a second time.

Remember to be courteous and thank the interviewer first before bringing up what happened during your job interview. Ask only for a second interview if you have nothing to lose and is willing to risk being seen as a weak or desperate candidate. You may be surprised to know that some employers are actually open to second interviews.

Move On and Learn from the Experience
Sometimes, no matter what you do, the damage just cannot be undone. If your interviewer has rejected your application, leave it be and focus instead on being a better candidate for future job opportunities. Go over your points of improvement and prepare yourself even better for the next interview. These measures would make sure that you do not repeat the same mistakes again.

Even after a bad interview, how to find a job doesn't necessarily have to be more difficult. You just have to turn those mistakes into a positive reinforcement which can help you leave a better impression and land a job easier.

About the Author

Steve Waller has a job site that offers employment opportunities for jobseekers. Whether you are a quantity surveyor, a business analyst or a care assistant, his website is a good source of your needed information.