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When Things Go Wrong

26 November, 2015 - 12:43
Available under Creative Commons-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Sometimes no matter how well you prepare, something still goes wrong. The following strategies will help you manage when things go amiss:

  • If you forget to turn your cell phone off and it rings, apologize and quickly turn off the phone. Don’t look at the number of the person calling you.
  • If you are late, call in advance to notify the interviewer and ask if the interview can proceed. Apologize when the interview takes place.
  • If you have a wardrobe malfunction—a popped button, a run in your stockings, or you spilled coffee on your clothing—a little humor might help.
  • If you went on a tangent and did not answer the question directly, check to make sure you are on track or ask that the question be repeated.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Assess your strengths and weaknesses, your likes and dislikes, and your goals before you begin the interview process.
  • Knowing what to do before, during, and after an interview is critical to your overall success.
  • Having a routine that you follow during the days before and the day of the interview will lower stress and increase your chances to succeed.
  • The more prepared you are for an interview, the more likely you are to succeed. Control what you can through preparation and practice and when the unexpected happens, you will be in a better position to manage it.
  • If things go wrong during an interview, you can take specific steps to regain your composure.
  • Sending a thank-you note is a perfect way to thank the interviewer for their time and keep the lines of communication open. Identify something in the interview that you want to highlight in your note, yet keep it short and concise.

EXERCISES

  1. Compare your list of strengths and weaknesses with those of a friend or fellow student. Seek reinforcement that your strengths are indeed your strengths and vice versa.
  2. Select your interview outfit, including your suit, shoes, and briefcase or portfolio. When selecting something to wear, make sure your suit is professional and fits well. Preferred colors are navy, beige, and black. In the spring or summer, beige is an acceptable color for women. If you are not sure, ask a salesperson at a professional clothing store.
  3. Draft a list of everything that you must do one, two, or three days before an interview and leave nothing to chance.
  4. Practice answering a few interview questions, emphasizing the results you have achieved in various situations. Act confident even though you may not feel confident.
  5. Draft a thank-you note and ask a friend or someone from career services to review it. Ensure it is grammatically correct in every way: spelling, tenses, and so forth.
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