So bad at interviews I want to cry

[Anonymous]

Having been on the other side of the interview table, I can offer the following: the panelists actually want you to be The One. It's a total pain to sift through all the candidates and we truly want to find someone who will make our search end. A lot of people feel like they are facing a firing squad, but just realize that the interviewers are trying to see if you are it.

Don't try to spin something when it's clear you really don't have the experience. Better to show steps you are taking to get the experience or that you are willing to learn. Be honest.

Research the company. Can't tell you how many people don't know my firm's mission when asked. It's a real negative.

Think about what you bring to the job and sell it. BUT don't give a monologue. We once interviewed a candidate who spent 15 minutes answering one question for what was meant to be a 30 minute interview.

Apply for jobs that you are qualified to do. It's good to stretch yourself, but don't bother if you can't do the job. People typically are looking for someone who can get up to speed quite fast.

Ask questions. It shows you are interested. BUT don't ask about pay. That's for when you get your job offer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

But this wasn't about being bad at interviewing. This was about being sensible. Was this a scheduled call? Just not clear why you didn't make the time to review the questions or make sure you had someone to watch your kids. If I was you I'd review the information, learn about the company and call back and apologize profusely while saying why you are interested in the job (hint do not mention telecommuting at all).

No, it was not a scheduled interview. They just called and started asking questions on the spot. And the recruiter didn't tell me that the hiring person was there with her as well.

I should have just told her I'd call back after reviewing the info instead of trying to answer the questions unprepared. My bad.

This happened to me 3 times during my last job search. Unscheduled HR reps would call and immediatly start in on what sounded like interview questions. I had submitted resumes to these companies, but they never emailed to confirm receipt or to say they would be calling.

Once I answered the phone from a nap - that was a bust. Never called back and I did not even catch the name of the person. So when the other 2 did the same thing, and I saw the names on caller ID, I was able to gather myself for a few minutes of back and forth.

Thankfully my job search only lasted one moth - I know I am very, very lucky.