The Road to “No”: Staying Sane After an Interview Gone Wrong

So, you had an interview, and it didn’t exactly go as planned? Join the club! Let’s face it; interviews can sometimes be as unpredictable as Forrest Gump’s box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get. It is an art to gracefully handle an interview that suddenly detours down a one-way road to rejection-town. 
 
You edited and updated your CV. You picked apart the job description, KNEW this job was for you, and LinkedIn’s algorithm agreed. Your mom was even on board. 
 
The virtual interview kicked off with the standard meet-and-greet. You were geared up, fixed up and ready for the barrage of job-related inquiries. 
 
Like a well-oiled machine, they asked, and you answered. No stop lights, no road closures. It felt like a beautiful Sunday scenic drive in through mountain roads at the peak of fall. 
 
The interviewing panel concluded the meeting with big smiles, and you sighed, letting the anxiety and nervousness drift into the air. This was good! You did well! You could settle back in the seat to wait on an offer. After all, hiring someone new takes time. 
 
But then, a few days later, an email pops up with the words “Thank you” in the subject line. You slam hard on the proverbial brakes, as if a deer suddenly appeared squarely in the road ahead. Your pride, you felt, may have whiplash.
 
They said “No”. 
 
The Initial Shock:
Ok, so, you didn’t get the job. You wanted it, you thought you did well. You’re not sure where you went wrong. Your reaction might be akin to finding out there will be no cell signal available at your week-long camp site. Or your heart dropped to your stomach like when you sat in church, scowling at someone’s ringer being on full volume, only to realize it’s YOUR phone causing the ruckus. 

it is shocking and disheartening, yes, but it’s not the end of the world. Take a moment to process your feelings, maybe even allow yourself to indulge in a mini pity-party; a sad-soiree, a consolation-celebration if you will. 
 
The Feedback Quest:
After you’ve re-corked the wine and the initial shock wears off, it’s time to consider politely requesting feedback. Do respectfully reach out to your interviewers and ask for constructive criticism. Don’t give a laundry list of why you consider yourself a viable candidate. Be humble, be kind and be genuine. This is a learning opportunity after all. 
It’s like asking the mechanic why your engine light is on – you’ll learn something valuable (like, yes, you have to get your oil changed) to use for the next attempt if you listen.
 
The Pump Up Session:
As you await feedback, remind yourself that one less-than-stellar interview does not define you as a person or a professional. Just because this one interview didn’t go as planned doesn’t mean you will never make upward career moves. Take some time to remind yourself of your accomplishments and strengths up to now.
 
The poster on your 5th grade classroom wall was right, “You always pass failure on your way to success”. 
 
The Learning Curve:
Once you receive feedback, consider it as part of the secret treasure map to your future success. Draw it in. Learn from your mistakes, yes, but don’t dwell on them. It’s all part of the learning curve.
 
The Reinvention Game:
Einstein once said, “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.” Use this setback as a chance to reinvent yourself. Weave the feedback into the fabric of your professional cloak. Perhaps it’s time to brush up on a specific skill or expand your knowledge. Maybe you simply don’t have enough experience. Remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback!
 
The “Next Interview” Mindset:
Now that you’ve had a taste of rejection, you’re better equipped for your next interview. YOu know the worst thing that can happen, is that they say “No”. Remember, even the most successful people have faced setbacks. It’s just a steppingstone to your ultimate success story.
 
Rejections are merely detours on the road to success, and with the right attitude, they can eventually lead you to the job of your dreams. Like a data analyst always looking for patterns and trends, seek to find these in your career path. Stay positive, stay persistent, and stay awesome! If you do, your future is brighter than ever.