Well prepared for yesterday's interview and I crumbled.

Well prepared for yesterday's interview and I crumbled. This on-going search has really taken a toll on my confidence. Previously, I was one of those strange individuals who actually enjoyed interviews and showcasing what I could offer the company. That was before entering my 9th month of searching.

In order to feel more confident, I research the company, social channels and aligned my background with the JD. I fumbled so badly over my words & loss my train of thought as I'm mentally exhausted. I was so excited about this interview and after learning in the Zoom call that it wasn't going to be hired until April, I felt so defeated. There are 6 more rounds, presentations and multiple site visits. I feel so defeated as I really wanted this position. While disappointed, I'm more concerned on how I can snap myself out of this mindset as I know I need to be confident and concise to connect with the interviewer.

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23 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Just realize that it will take until April to complete the various rounds of interviews, background checks and whatever else (drug testing etc) so this should not impact you in the slightest. Focus on those areas that will impact your chances and set you apart from the other candidates. You've got this! rest and slowly lean into this next round.

  2. Anonymous

    6 more rounds??? Maybe your better angels are looking out for you....

  3. Anonymous

    Yeah, exactly what I said – this company is full of people who don’t want to take responsibility for anything apparently. Can you imagine working there and trying to get anything done good Lord it would take a committee for everything. And there would be meetings for every little thing that should be an email.

  4. Anonymous

    Do something every day to boost your confidence. Volunteer with a place where you can share your knowledge with others, make it something you would do in work. Be sure that you only spend 1 hour per day on your job search and other than that do things that boost your experience. Then pack it away till the next day. Yes, it is definitely taking far longer to find good roles as many companies have eliminated or don't have proper hiring methods which may account for the long rounds and overthinking in their hiring but remember they are not the only show in town and you have strong experience and value. Don't diminish your worth just because things are taking longer.

  5. Anonymous

    You might consider taking a "mental break" from your search - and spend a week or two on something that brings you JOY...It seems the stress of a prolonged search is spilling over and invading your confidence. Taking a "break" can redirect your focus and hopefully "refuel" your confidence.

  6. Cindy Glover

    Haha - great minds!

  7. Cindy Glover

    6 Rounds?? My gosh…

    take a week off …..:gather your thoughts…..do something interesting that you’ve not done before?

    remind yourself of where and what you’re working towards and come back stronger than before…..

    We are all here for you

  8. Anonymous

    Thank you all! I took a few days break and was rewarded with an interview for a new company at the end of the last week. I feel more positive about this process as it's only three rounds compared to double that amount. I really appreciated your support.

  9. Donna Heise

    Take a day as a mental health day. If you feel the need to keep busy find a free course on interview preparations. This is a whole new world of finding a position. I have fumbled as well for a few jobs. Good luck!

  10. CEJNYC

    Conduct a practice interview, even if it's just in front of a mirror. Maybe you have a friend who could conduct a mock interview with you.

  11. Anonymous

    The one thing to remember in the interview - think of the NOW. I saw you said when you found out the hiring wouldn't happen until April1, you felt defeated. All you can do and should do is concentrate on the here and now. In this market between interviews, background checks, onboarding , HR to finally create an offer letter, budget seasons, etc - Most hiring will take about 3 months or more.

  12. Anonymous

    I don’t necessary agree with that. I’ve gotten offer letters within the week more than once. It’s how the company manages the process.

  13. maria rose

    That’s sad that in today’s world that employers are delaying hiring while they have evaluating the possibility of not really needing to fill the position. But thanks for sharing a good way to deal with this stress of waiting for the possibility of a firm job offer.

  14. Anonymous

    ....9 months unemployed is nothing to 3 years I am trying to get back to normal...the market is on the road to recovery.

    If you can meantime take some time for yourself, go for a short walk, go window -shopping, run in the park, free art galleries, do things that doesnt cost you a dime. ...I now there is a point that you feel unhelpful,but the market isnt helping us too..

    Stay strong!

  15. Anonymous

    One of the questions I always ask especially if I felt I blew the interview is - Now that you have met me, reviewed my resume/qualifications and talked with me - "what questions/concerns do you have to would keep me from being a viable candidate for this position. " It has worked to my advantage. One company the interviewer was a little taken aback but expressed his concerns - I addressed on the spot. He did ask me why I would ask such a questions and I told him, once I walk out that door my one chance to sell myself is gone and if you have unanswered questions about me you most likely aren't going to pick up the phone and call me to clarify.

    I did receive a job offer from that company.

  16. Anonymous

    I am so sorry this happened to you. I wish I had something g to say that would help- hang in there things will get better- we’ve all had a bad interview- it happens.

  17. Anonymous

    I’m sorry, but six more rounds? That would send huge red flags to me. I don’t have time for that and it sounds like they’re not very agile. It wouldn’t be someplace I would be wanting to work.

  18. Anonymous

    Agree with the previous review. Six rounds seems excessive and perhaps how they run their company. Is this much stress really worth it?

  19. Anonymous

    We all want every job we apply for, the reality is very different. Rejection is tough, I've been there. Yesterday FGB held a webinar on interview questions. I strongly suggest that you watch back the recording. This will definitely help you. And SIX rounds of interview, thats too much.

  20. Anonymous
  21. Erica Lanyon

    This is a really good video to watch. I really like this woman, she's articulate and tells the truth.

    @anonymous, this is a really good video to help you continue in your job search.

  22. Anonymous

    Ugh, 6 rounds? I find when there are too many rounds I check out. I once had an interview where I had a phone with HR, then a phone with the HR manager, then they scheduled in person and 1 person couldn’t make it, so that was another phone. Then in person I met the CEO and I thought it went well. Then they sat me in a conference room and multiple people came in to interview me. Some were single people, some were groups. I think there were least 4 rounds, maybe 5. By the time the last 2 people came in- which happened to be the direct manager and a coworker, I was so burnt out I didn’t care and just wanted to leave.

    I think that too many hands in the pot is a problem. No one is going to be liked by everyone. And I don’t think your direct manager should want the input of anyone except maybe their supervisor, maybe someone would would be your peer, and maybe someone you’d work closely with. I don’t think more than 3 is ever necessary.
    So basically what I am saying is, don’t beat yourself up over it. It can get overwhelming. I have no idea if it is a red flag, I just know that excessive rounds of interviews have never gone well for me.

  23. Lisa McCartney

    I agree, especially if there are interviews that you have to travel far distances (more than a day trip round way). Give yourself grace on this one.

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