The real world is different from TV or the movies. We don't always say exactly the right things or have the right timing when we are asked questions. We can be nervous and forget to include important information. Worse, we can stumble on our words and sound much less articulate (or intelligent) than we want to project. Our little inner voice may be telling us, "I don't think you nailed that one, my friend."

On the other hand, a bad interview may not be something you did wrong. It could be that the interviewer was lousy at his or her job. If this is your recent experience, click here>>

Here is a suggested method for examining the truth. Your post interview review can be divided into three logical parts:

• Part 1: In general, what did I do wrong?
• Part 2: What type of questions was I asked. Of those, which ones did I blow?
• Part 3: Were the blown questions relevant? - If so, did they take me out of the running for the job?

Is this Really the "right job" for me?
Ask yourself: was I ill at ease because I felt under qualified, or overqualified for the job? Is it possible that my brain was trying to warn me away from taking on so much responsibility? Did I sense that the organization or the duties were not exactly what I expected?

Did I try too hard to impress?
Sometimes we can overdo the "leaning forward' attitude during an interview. Do I recall being too pushy during the discussions. Did I interupt (cut off) the interviewer in the middle of a sentence when he or she was trying to explain the job? Did I come across as knowing everything and eager to share how brilliant I am? Did I show any humility? Did I say something that degraded my current or last employer for not utilizing my skills to the fullest?

Once you have identified the three parts from above, ask yourself:

• How can I do better?
• What should I do differently next time in an interview?
• How might I prepare differently for another interview?
• Would it help me to write an outline of what my responses to key questions should be?

As long as you are writing things down, see if you can remember and write down what you think were the key questions, and what you could have said in your reply.

Can I Recover?
It is difficult to recover because the interviewer has already reached his or her conclusions about you, based on what you said. Chances are slim but here are a few resurrection possibilities:

(Advice for the next time) If time permits at the end of your interview, it is a good idea to ask the interviewer exactly how you answered differently than was expected. Don't try to say, "Oh yes that is what I meant to say" just say, thank you for clarifying the intent of your question. That may be difficult but may also provide the interviewer some more information to reconsider. Here are three possible actions you may want to consider for this time:

• Action 1: Call the HR Department (or the person you interviewed with) back (on the same day if possible) and tell the interviewer why you think you missed some questions, maybe even offer to provide responses that you feel are more complete. Then say you really want the job and would appreciate a second chance to interview. (Chance of success: 10% or less.)
• Action 2: If someone you know and trust has contacts at the firm (or with the interviewer you met), ask if they would use their influence, contact the right person and let them know you realized that your performance was sub-par; that you are very disappointed in how you did; that you have a tremendous respect for the firm, and would appreciate another shot at interviewing. (Chance of success: 45% or less. However, your odds go up if your supporter is a strong voice in getting you into the company.)
• Action 3: Send a short handwritten letter thanking the interviewer for the time and opportunity to interview. State that you are disappointed with how you responded to the questions he or she asked, and if a second opportunity becomes available now or in the future, you would really appreciate being contacted.(Chance of success: 20% or less - Your letter will most likely be placed in your interview file to be reviewed when the next opening for the position occurs)
  
  

Although the percentages are slim, it is still a good idea to reply. Don't forget that if there are three candidates you only had 33% chance from the beginning. Any extra effort on your part can add to your chance of getting back into contention. It can set you apart from the losers.

Mirror Mirror On The Wall...
Learn from the TV program, American Idol. When we watch terrible singers, it is obvious to us that they are terrible and yet they seem to be oblivious to the truth. They will say, when asked, that they did great. They may not be able to see the reality about their vocal talent. And thus, they cannot see their weaknesses.

You need to get beyond any delusions about how you did. Every job you want may not be possible for you to get. The job may not be satisfactory even if you get it. The objective is to be able to see your actual strengths and weaknesses, and put yourself in the best light during the interview. This effort will enable you to dismiss less than ideal opportunities sooner, and provide more time to go after the ones where you can compete more strongly. Save your energy, focus your attacks.

It was a bad interview. Stop blaming yourself and begin to plan how the next interview needs to go along with the next job opportunity. As an interviewee, you need to always assess how well or poorly you did and then decide what you need to do to be better.

Begin a sober, thorough analysis of what happened, what questions you might have answered differently and so on. Your interviewing skills will improve if you practice them with someone who will tell you frankly how you are coming across.

Also review any factors such as dress, voice, posture, and other insights that you had during the interview that differed from those you had going in (good or bad), etc. Did the interviewer's mood change suddenly? Try to recall what was happening just before his or her abrupt change?

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• If you are looking for ideas for how you can prepare for a winning interview, click here>>
• If you need ideas for questions you should consider asking the interviewer, click here>>

Many thanks to Norman H. Carter (development systems international) for his knowledge and editorial assistance in preparing this article.

Comments from My Writing Resource Readers:

W Hamilton Jones: Probably that old adage, 'practice, practice, practice' applies here. A less than perfect interview is not the end of the world, though. Now you have a bit of a relationship with the hiring manager, and you can always call back with request for status updates, and clarifications. Persistance can make up for some of the early errors.
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Rebecca Sargeant, Professional Placement Recruiter, Volt Infomation Science: When I work with Candidates I break down where the interview STARTS to go wrong and fix that. The top three reasons candidates have problems in interviews is:

1 - They are not prepared - Do you have a copy of the detailed description? Have you reviewed the company website? Do you have a copy of your resume with you in the interview (this helps to keep you on track) Dress for success - if you feel good you'll do well.

2 - Candidates answer questions they have not been asked. LISTEN / CLARIFY / THINK - then answer!!! DO not repeat the questions, paraphrase it back to the interviewer. I tell my candidates to ask for water to bring into the interview, when you are asked a question and you need time take a sip of the water - then answer (my CEO candidates love this trick!!)

3. ASK if you got the JOB before you leave the interview!!! Believe it or not they WANT to give you the job - they would not have invited you in if they didn't see something on your resume they liked! The question I give my candidates to ask is this "I am very interested in this position, is there anythong during this interview we have uncovered I need to address or clarify before we move to the next step?" if the answer is yes - address the question and move on to "what are the next steps in the interviewing process?" "Do you have any hints for me?" " I like to be prepared, is there anything can you tell me about the next interview or person interviewing me?" Again, these people want to give you the JOB!!! One more thing if you are nervous - tell them!!! You would not believe the amount of hiring managers that hate interviewing because they are SHY ;-)

Do you have a good experience from a bad interview? How did you recover? My Writing Resources will add your knowledge to this article giving you credit for your input. Drop us a line: e-mail>>