Going for an interview can be a daunting experience for anyone, as soon as you're there, you're being assessed and judged on your skills as well as your personality and the way you present. I have been for quite a few interviews and some I look back on and laugh at myself for not being prepared at all, and trying to blag about something I knew very little about and others I pride myself with the answers I gave.
For the first time ever, I was shortlisted for a post that I was not qualified for but was near qualification, so for me that was a really nice surprise - to even be considered. This gave me hope and I was excited to have been given such opportunity.
I was almost late to my interview but I felt calm still, the thought of turning back and going home did cross my mind but I wasn't going to be disrespectful and also I wasn't going to miss out on an opportunity because I may have be late. It was lucky enough, that I did manage to arrive just on time. My interviewers were friendly enough and welcoming, this gave me a good feeling about the place and usually I get a sense of whether I would like to work somewhere.
Despite having many similar interviews during my training for my clinical placements, the feeling of going to an interview is always a scary experience. You never know what they will ask and don't know what exactly they are looking for. I've learnt a few tips and tricks and do feel quite confident in interviews but it is still very disheartening if you don't get the job - naturally.
And for me, on this occasion that was the outcome of this interview. It felt promising to me as they did the checks and asked many questions as if I was a likely candidate but the outcome was 'unsuccessful'. Now, I suppose naturally you always come out of an interview or assessment thinking about 'did i say the right thing, should i have done this differently etc' but I have come to acknowledge that if you give something your best shot, don't look back and beat yourself up about what could have been or should have done.
I am not saying, don't take on feedback or reflect on matters as I believe this is quite an important thing to do and something you can learn from for next time and improve however, I don't feel it is necessary to feel like you have done something terrible or continue to haunt yourself with what you should have done. It is sometimes about changing your attitude and thinking about everything you have to offer will now be another organisations gain and perhaps the job role wouldn't have been suited to you as much as you would have liked to think. I am a strong believer in everything happens for a reason and to pick yourself up and continue on. In every situation, well most particularly with interviews there will always be some candidates who will miss out. I would urge people not to give up and to take it as a positive step. It may take several attempts, it may take more effort, more luck and more time but perseverance will get you there.
Look forwards.
After all, a lot of successful individuals have failed serval times and rejected before being the success they are. Take on the feedback and carry on.
