Work Coach Cafe

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

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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.

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