Life is unpredictable, and nothing is guaranteed. Job interviews sometimes feel like a missed opportunity despite our best efforts. It doesn’t have to be that way; you can still get the job even though you failed to impress the panel the first time.
Notably, only 1 out of 5 job candidates get hired, meaning the average success rate of job interviews across all industries is 20%.
Let’s shift gears and address the elephant in the room: how to turn a failed interview into a job offer.
Outfit Mishaps
“I was convinced I’d blown it. I had nervous sweats and rambling answers, and my shirt got caught on the doorframe as I entered. Yet, somehow, I walked away with an offer.”
-David Campbell. Environment Management Expert
You dressed for success, but the universe had other plans for you. We have all (at least most people in my circle) experienced this at some point in our careers. The secret is to remain calm and composed. Know that it’s not the end of the world.
Opting to proceed with the interview despite the mishap will prove to the panel that you’re resilient, can work under pressure, and are determined to get the job.
Falling Sick During An Interview
“I was battling a terrible cold, coughing uncontrollably, and at one point, I even threw up while sitting across from the interviewer. I think they hired me because, despite the disaster, I managed to stay composed and finish the interview without losing it.”
-Jacinta White. Sales Manager
Interviews are exhausting and sometimes may feel like FBI interrogations. The pressure can take a toll on your body mechanism, triggering panic and anxiety attacks.
It can get even worse; flu from nowhere, diarrhea, or food poisoning can quickly make the situation go from bad to worse.
All these are ways for your body to respond and cope with the anxiety attack. Your brain goes on overdrive and is unable to control your body. While most of us have managed to remain calm and finish the interview, most candidates are embarrassed and leave.
If you opt to leave the interview early, it’s recommended that you follow up with the company to express your interest in the position. In your follow-up email, being bold enough to accept that you were nervous and fell ill will go a long way in mending your relationship with them and increasing your chances of getting invited for another interview.
Being Brutally Honest
‘‘I skipped the usual self-promotion and opted for complete honesty, maybe a bit too casual. By the end of the interview, I was certain I had blown my chances, thinking there was no way they’d choose me.”
-James Wright. Social Media Marketing Manager
The rule of thumb is to express your strengths and weaknesses to show how you handle challenges. Your explanation also gives the panelist a clearer picture of your experiences and skill set.
The hiring team expects you to gloss over the negatives when seeking new positions to show you’re a good fit.
For example, when asked, “Why have you decided to reassign?” The appropriate answer might be, “I’m looking for more growth opportunities that allow me to utilize my skills and expertise fully.”
But what if you get too excited about this question and reveal to the panelist that you have opted to quit because your current boss is difficult to work with or the working environment is a nightmare?
Such a response will ruin your chances of getting hired, especially if one of the panelists is your future boss. If you find yourself in this situation, send them a follow-up email apologizing and explaining why you felt it was ok to be brutally honest.
If it’s not too late, they may hire you or invite you for a second interview to better understand your personality. Ensure you don’t repeat the same mistake during the second interview. Prepare for curveball questions that might be asked to test your emotional intelligence.
How To Recover From A Failed Interview
It’s easy to feel like a failed interview is the end of the road, but as we’ve seen, it doesn’t always mean the door is closed. In fact, sometimes those “failures” are the very thing that leads to success.
Here are a few insights on how to turn a failed interview into a job offer to remember when you think you’ve messed up:
- Authenticity Counts: People appreciate honesty. Showing your true self can create a lasting impression, even if you think you’ve been too casual or blunt.
- Perseverance Pays Off: If you keep your cool during the toughest moments, your ability to push through adversity can set you apart from the competition.
- Recovery is Key: A minor mishap, whether a cough or a wardrobe malfunction, doesn’t define your potential. How you handle the situation matters more than the mistake itself.
- Resilience is Attractive: Employers often respect candidates who can stay composed in awkward situations. Your ability to bounce back can work in your favor, even if you think you’ve failed.
Remember that interviews aren’t always about finding the perfect candidate for the job. They’re about seeing how well you handle challenges and demonstrating that you’re the right fit.
Don’t count yourself out, even if it feels like you’ve fallen short. The best opportunities often come from the most unexpected moments. Good luck.
For more quality career advice and professional development content, contact me at mainaalphan@gmail.com or alphan@alphaseoplus.com. I aim to be the best full-stack marketer in the world, and I’m slowly getting there. Talk soon!