I had an interview today for a job in a field where I'm doing a career pivot. The job is a junior accounting position, which I'm perfectly fine with. My issue is that once the interview was done, I started nit-picking every response I gave to the questions I was asked. I want to think that my responses were fine, but I keep overthinking and doubting myself. In addition, I'm nervous because, as I mentioned, the job is for a junior, entry-level position, and I'm far older than the typical entry-level job seeker (56).

5 Comments

1. Cassie SpencerJune 18,2024 at 6:16PM UTC

   As much as possible try to remind yourself of the positives from the interview. Challenge yourself to think about answers that you felt confident in or prepared for. I don't think there is a perfect science to navigating self criticism - journaling, going for a walk, dancing to your favorite song, and other self-care activities can be helpful in shifting your mindset away from nit-picking every answer

2. Alexis GladstoneJune 18,2024 at 6:18PM UTC

   It's normal! We are our own worst critics.

   I'm not going to tell you to "let it go" because I know that's easier said than done. If you think it would be helpful, take the questions you feel you could have answered differently and formulate a response. Practice the response and it will become more natural if this job doesn't come through and you continue to interview.

   If there is clarification you feel is needed and you haven't already sent thank you notes, you may be able to weave the response into the note.

   Finally, if you still can't let it go, is there someone you can "debrief" with (spouse, partner, friend)? Talk it through with them and get their take. Then you can work together on my first suggestion.

3. Nadia Ibrahim-Taney, MS. MA. M.Ed.June 18,2024 at 6:25PM UTC

   As a career coach, I am far more worried about the people that DON'T reflect on their interviewing experience than do because through reflection, we can gain critical insights on how to improve or even maintain good things happening in interviews. Be your own worst critic, but be empathetic, critical, action oriented, and purpose driven. Are there things you did well? Yes. Are there things to improve? Yes. No matter who you are, there are things to consider when coming off interviews :)

4. JJJune 19,2024 at 12:05AM UTC

   Meditate or pray or eat ice cream—whatever makes you feel cared for. Self-doubt is common and hopefully, it will pass soon!

5. Wanda ShawJune 19,2024 at 10:04AM UTC

   I don’t know of anyone that hasn’t second guessed themselves when it comes to interviewing. It’s one of those cringe worthy events that can make you analyze everything you said and did, on down to how you many eye blinks you had and if the interviewer thought it was one too many. (Lol). I know, it’s probably heightened intensity for you because you want the job. In my opinion, the way you deal with post interview self criticism is to gently but firmly remind yourself that you gave the answers to the questions asked in the moment that you gave them. And really that’s all you’re able to control. What the interviewers may think, their opinions and their decisions, yay or nay, is beyond your control.