How do you stop thinking about a bad interview?
Why failing a job interview is not the end of the world? Have you ever forgotten a job interview and felt like giving up on your career goals? Well, you are not alone. Failing a job interview is a common experience that many people face at some point in their careers. But it doesn’t have to be devastating to your self-esteem and motivation. It can be a stepping stone to more extraordinary things.
Today, I will share seven reasons why failing a job interview is not the end of the world. I will also give some tips and examples on how to bounce back from a failed job interview and land your dream job. Whether you are looking for a new job, a career change, or a promotion, this article will help you stay optimistic and keep trying after a failed job interview.
You are meant for an enormous opportunity
“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.” (Unknown, n.d.).
Failing a job interview can also be a sign that the job was not for you and that you are looking for something bigger and better. Sometimes, life has a way of closing one door to open another, leading to a more fulfilling and rewarding destination. You might not see it now, but there is a reason why things did not work out the way you wanted them to. Trust that there is a bigger plan for you. On top of that, you will find the right opportunity at the right time.
You are not alone
“I do not believe in failure. It is not a failure if you enjoy the process.” (Winfrey, 2005)
It is a common experience that many people go through at some point in their careers. According to a survey, 75% of workers who applied for a job in the past year have yet to get an offer. Even successful and famous people like Oprah Winfrey, J.K. Rowling, and Steve Jobs have faced rejection and failure in their careers. Remember that you are not the only one who has faced this challenge and that you can overcome it with perseverance and resilience.
Learn from your mistakes
“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that count” (Churchill, 1941).
This interview experience can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. It also improves your skills and performance for future opportunities. Reflect on your behavior and see if there is anything you can change or improve. For example, you can work on your communication skills, body language, research skills, or confidence level. By learning from your mistakes, you can turn a negative experience into a positive one.
Explore new options
“When one door closes, another opens, but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.” (Bell, 1914)
This interview can open up new possibilities and opportunities that you might not have considered before. You can use this as a chance to reevaluate your career goals and preferences and see if there is a better fit for you in the job market. Also, it can expand your network and reach out to new contacts who might have leads or referrals for you. Besides, you might discover a new career path, industry, or company that suits you better than the one you applied for.
Grow as a person
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be” (Emerson, 1994, p. 902).
Failing a job interview can help you develop your character and your mindset. Furthermore, it can make you a wiser person. You can learn to cope with failure and rejection and overcome the negative emotions and thoughts that come with it. Besides, you can learn to appreciate the value of hard work, persistence, and patience and not take success for granted. In addition, you can learn to be more flexible, adaptable, and open-minded. This experience can also teach you to embrace change and uncertainty as part of life. By growing as a person, you can become more prepared and ready for any challenge that comes your way.
Try again
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” (Confucius, 1997, p.80)
This experience is not the end of your journey but rather a bump in the road. It does not mean you will fail forever or never find a job you love. It simply means that you need to try again until you succeed. You can use the experience as motivation and fuel to keep going and keep improving. Every setback is a chance to get stronger. Do not give up on your dreams. Keep believing in yourself and keep trying.”
Inspire others
As Arleen Lorrance said, “One way to start a preventative program is to be the change you want to see happen” (Lorrance, 1974, p. 14).
Failing a job interview can also be an opportunity to inspire others who are going through the same or similar situations. You can share your story and lessons learned with others and offer support and encouragement to others facing rejection or failure. You can also motivate yourself by inspiring others and boosting your morale and motivation.
If you have recently failed a job interview, keep hope and pursue your career goals. Failing a job interview is not the end of the world but rather an opportunity to learn, grow, and try again. You have what it takes to succeed and find the right job soon.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. You can check our YouTube videos for job-related, inspirational, and motivational videos. Thanks for reading, and I’ll see you at the next one.
References:
Unknown. (n.d.). Quote Investigator. Retrieved January 21, 2022 from https://quoteinvestigator.com
Winfrey, O. (2005). Oprah’s cut with Nelson Mandela. Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3518.Oprah_Winfrey?
Churchill, W. (1941). The address was given at the Harrow School. Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Winston_Churchill.
Bell, A. G. (1914). National Geographic Magazine. Retrieved January 21, 2022 from https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Alexander_Graham_Bell.
Emerson, R. W. (1994). The Essential Writings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Retrieved January 21, 2022 from https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/12080.Ralph_Waldo_Emerson.
Confucius. (1997). The Analects of Confucius. (R. Dawson, Trans.). Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Confucius.
Lorrance, A. (1974). The Love Project. New York: Doubleday.