Dear Work Coach,
Boy oh boy. I think I really messed up an interview for a job I really wanted yesterday and was wondering what I could do to try and salvage my chances of getting that job.
This would have been a full time position with benefits and good pay. I got the interview through a friend, which in my experience is the best way to go.
Here’s what went wrong:
I forgot my resume on the way there. I got off the subway 30 minutes before my interview so I figured I had time to find a Kinkos to print one off. I finally found a Kinko’s 5 minutes before my interview.
With about 2 minutes before my interview, I discovered to my horror that 21st St all of a sudden turned into Grammercy Park. The place I was interviewing for is located on 21st St, so I was confused. Rather than wander around being lost, I called and confirmed that yes, I was going in the right direction. I finally arrived, but six minutes late.
Once in the interview, they asked me if I had experience with still photography (the job is at a computer lab where most of the students study photography) and I said no, but I do have a lot of video experience.
Then they asked me if I ever used the command line on macs, and I had to answer honestly, no.
The interview was short, about 20 minutes.
The people were nice and we seemed to get along, but I just don’t know if I made a good impression, and if I meet the requirements for the job.
Although I feel like they could see from my resume clearly that I had no still photography experience, so maybe that’s okay? I mean, why bring me in for an interview if that’s a requirement?
Anyway, my brother is a photographer and he said he could give me a crash course. I told him it was probably too late because I already told them I had no experience.
The interview ended with them walking me to the elevator. No mention of when I would hear back (I was too ashamed to ask) or anything like that.
What do you think? Should I just forget about it?
Thanks for your advice, anything would be helpful. I really want this job! The hours, benefits, work environment, and pay all seem great. If only I wasn’t such an idiot!
Ray
***
Hi Ray!
First of all, you are not an idiot. In fact, you sound like a really nice person!
I myself have gotten confused by that same section of Manhattan – especially hard to focus when you are already nervous about an interview! As for the resume…yes, from now on you need to make yourself a checklist before going to an interview so you don’t forget anything. (Part of that checklist should probably say “take 10 minutes to breathe in and out slowly and gently before you leave.”)
Luckily you left yourself enough time to get to Kinko’s. Not everyone would have been that smart. And you also called and confirmed rather than getting any more lost…a very good thing. But ok…enough of that. Now to the interview itself.
I can’t tell what really went on in their minds. But just from what I read in your comment, I wonder if you presented a strong image of yourself once you entered – or even on the phone. Being late isn’t good…but the trick is how you handle things. The fact that they focused on what you didn’t have – despite having your resume, doesn’t sound too hopeful. BUT…I sure would try to recover a little. Even if not for this job, if you can win them over maybe they will keep you in mind for another job.
So…write to them. I assume you have their e-mail? Let them know you enjoyed meeting with them. You might mention you were a little nervous and wish you had another chance to show them who you really are and what you can do for them. Let them know you are a fast learner and could even get a crash course from your brother who is a photographer. (That’s a useful fact just to show you understand and have a connection to the field.)
Since the job is at the computer lab, not having all the skills yet should not be a deal breaker. They are interested in you and how you present yourself.
Keep the note short and positive – let them know you are more interested than ever after having met them (since it’s true). And, if you think its ok, add a short sentence saying you’d be willing to work for them for a 2-week trial and let them decide if you have what it takes.
Not sure any of that will help, but it is worth a shot. Good luck! Please let us know what happens.
Ronnie Ann
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In case you’re curious, skim through the comment section from How to Tell If a Job Interview Went Well to see original Ray’s question and my response.
Hi Coach,
I went for an interview with a IT company, since i am a software engineer.
It went on for about 40 mins, everything was going well, or it seems so.
Because i thought i answered all the questions, or gently said no in case of any confusions.
After the interview the Panel said that there company is going to do a background check on my profile.
And also mentioned that their Manger would come to me to tell me further course of action.
As i waited there for about half and hour, the Manager appeared and said they were done for the day and their HR would let me know the schedule for the second round of interview.
As i didn’t hear from them for almost a week, so i sent out an email to the HR asking if the response was positive or not.
And after another week , to my dismay i got a response that ,” Sorry you couldn’t get through”.
As this was the job i was banking upon too much.
Do you think things could get messed up in the response from the HR.
Well, i know that nothing more can be done, but i just can’t understand why was i rejected.
Is it possible that i could ask them for more clarification about my weak areas?
Thanks,
Natwar
Hi Natwar!
So sorry about the turn down, but it’s extremely rare a mistake was made in transmitting the info. If you feel comfortable doing so, you might want to call HR and ask why you were turned down to help you with your next interviews. (It also gives another chance to make sure – but don’t say it that way. Just ask for helpful feedback.) It’s always good to get feedback since we can’t see how we come off, even if we do our best.
Sometimes, however, you do great and it’s just that someone else was a better fit for this particular job. If you do call, when you speak to them let them know how much you enjoyed meeting them and that you’d be interested in being considered for other openings as they come up.
Although I know it doesn’t help now, it’s so important not to put all our hope on one job. best to keep looking for jobs and interview as much as possible. Good for increasing chances and improving interview skills.
Good luck, Natwar! Hope the next one is a perfect match.
~ Ronnie Ann
Hi again Natwar!
Not that I think this is going on with you, but I just found this post on Ask a Manager about HR and interviewer not being in synch.
Thought folks might enjoy reading what happened here:
HR rejected me, but interviewer said I’m still in play
Maybe this will make some of you feel better!
~ Ronnie Ann
Dear Work Coach:
I had a interview 10 days ago and I thought it went well.Two person interviewed me, one is the HR manager and the other one is the accountant. Basically, they mostly explained what my job responsibility was , what they want from me for this job under certain situation, the salary and everything they expected me from this job. It lasted about an hour. At last , they said they will arrange me to meet with their CFO and asked my availability. They mentioned the CFO won’t work with me but he wants to meet the staffs who work in the accounting department. They also kept asking do I have any question about the company and they even said if I have any question later, I can come to their office and ask.They sounded like I was the one they want until then & they will contact me as soon as they contact the CFO.
However, I made a huge mistake. I was supposed to call the job
hunter after the interview but instead I called the interviewer’s phone number . When she picked up the phone I felt like it doesn’t sounds like the agent, so I said may I speak to ###(her name) and she said: yes, speaking , so I told her I thought the interview went well but I am not sure about what is going to happen. She said :”ok, I will call them and let you know.”
I found out this later and called my agent , she said the interviewer called her already and told her my mistake but the interviewer thought I was funny and they will arrange me to meet the CFO. However, ten days later they did not contact me, so I called to follow up and the interviewer said they still have another interview next Weds and they will make the decision after that if they will let me meet the CFO on Friday.
So I called my agent to ask for some feedback but the agent told me that she called few days ago before I called and they said they would possibly arrange me to meet the CFO on next Monday because they were busy on moving and meetings but she did not mention they would interview another person to her and she said this is a bad sign. My agent said she will contact me if she has any further information.
So my question is do you think I lost my job opportunity already and do you have any suggestion for me? Thank you very much.
Best regards
Polly
TO MY WONDERFUL READERS:
I’m on a BLOGGING BREAK. But couldn’t leave without letting you know how much I appreciate your visits. I hope in the meantime you will help each other where possible.
And if you’re wondering why the break:
Blogging Overload: Do You Give Yourself a Break?
~ Ronnie Ann
Hello Ronnie,
Today I had an interview at Abercrombie..
The manager who interviewed me is around my age 19-23.
I feel as if I messed up on one thing. She was reading a guide as the interview and it was mandated for us to rehearse the greeting to customers.
She had me say ” Whats going on” and well I wasn’t really thinking but said it how she did, laidback and slow. So I did it the same. But now I’m asking myself was I supposed to be all cheerful and stuff lol?
I mean for my questions, they were great.
When she asked about my quality I said ” I’m optimistic, and up-beat”
For the importance of diversity in a workplace question, i said” Diversity is important because a place needs different people to overcome an obstacle. Instead of everyone being the same”
Anyways I feel i did great, i was kind of excited though haha.But my resume was great and I made good conversations with the employees since I showed up to my interview early.
Oh yeah and one of my high school friends works there, that I just found out about, so i told her to give out a good word about me.
What are your opinions?
Hi Marilyn!
Sounds like you did well. It’s easy to over-think these things afterward and worry about every single answer, but the important thing is the overall impression you leave with the interviewer.
Who knows? They might have found a “What’s going on?” that was too bubbly not very Abercrombie.
Good to have a friend on the inside. I wish you much luck. Would love to know what happens!