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Q: During my last interview for a job, I really blew it. Should I just move on?
-Lillian Long, Buffalo, New York
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Dear Lillian, Everyone has bad days, and sometimes those are bound to come on an important day. However, even though you may feel like just kicking yourself and moving on, everything may not be lost. Take some time to collect yourself and decide how to move forward. Figure out what went wrong.
Before you decide what to do, think about why you don’t feel good about how things went. Did you not answer a question correctly or completely? Did you just not “click” with your interviewer? Take some time to think about why you’re not thrilled with how things went before your proceed. Chances are that it might not have been as bad as you think. Come up with a plan.
If you answered a question incompletely or incorrectly, consider contacting your interviewer. Be as open, honest, humble and personable as possible, and explain that you know what you did wrong. Tell them how much you want the position and show them that you’re capable and the right person for the job. Consider asking for a second chance.
If things just didn’t go smoothly, think about asking for a second chance. After all, everyone has “off” days. If you do this, tread lightly and try not to volunteer too much information. Perhaps a personal circumstance such as a family event was the cause, but don’t ask for sympathy and don’t deliver too much detail. Think about how you would feel about being approached if you were in their shoes and proceed accordingly. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
If you think the interview was a disaster, what’s the harm in trying one last time to go for it? You can’t doubly lose what you already think is gone, and chances are good that the interviewer will respect your courage and candor and reconsider you for the job. Even if you don’t ask for another chance, always write a nice follow-up letter to thank the interviewer for their time and the chance to interview. Seymour
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