Top Five Ways to Recover from a Bad Interview

Implementing a reflection process after all of your interviews will help you carefully review how you performed. Try defining a list of key factors that could lead you to success: were you dressed professionally? Did you arrive on time? Did you answer all questions to the best of your ability? Think critically about every aspect of the interview and reflect on what you can do to improve. This process alone will help you become aware of your strengths and weaknesses before your next job interview.
 

2. Learn From Your Mistakes:

It is imperative not to let an unsuccessful interview bring you down. Instead, try to look at the experience as an opportunity to learn. It is crucial to set yourself up for success by eliminating the potential to make the same mistakes more than once. Always keep in mind the fact that bad interviews happen to everyone, and the ability to acknowledge and learn from your mistakes is one of the most important tools for growth.
 

3. Identify Strengths:

During your reflection, assess what went well for you. Identify what actions you took to get the interview, and find ways to apply these strengths throughout the entirety of the interviewing process. It is important to know your own skill set, and to truly take pride in the strengths you possess. Your self-confidence will come across in future interviews, and could potentially be a deciding factor in whether you land the position.
 

4. Establish a Routine:

Prior to your next job interview, try to set up a routine. Establishing a daily routine will give you a sense of structure, reassurance, and comfort. It is easy to find yourself struggling to stay motivated or becoming anxious to hear from a potential employer.  Setting up a routine will allow you to get back on track with your career goals and ambitions. Having a sense of structure and routine will help guide you in the right direction to be better prepared for your next interview.
 

5. Send a "Thank You" Message: 

It is always a good idea to show interest in a position by following up with a  thank you card or email. This shows that you appreciate them taking their time to interview you. After a bad interview, the best approach is to be specific and candid about any aspects you thought went wrong. Be sure to express your continued interest in the position, and reiterate the ways you could be an asset to the company. This will leave the employer with a good second impression, even if the first impression was a little weak. One thing for sure, if you don’t try, you will never know if your follow-up could have made a difference.