How I Turned Interview Fails Into Success Stories (and you can too!)

I felt nervous as the pressure was mounting with a tight deadline over me. I was leading a high-stakes mass recruitment walk-in drive, skimming through the resumes of candidates waiting in the room. Adrenaline rushed through my veins as I questioned whether I could meet the ambitious hiring targets.

The turnout was promising and profiles seemed strong at first glance. But when the results came in, they were far from what I had hoped for. Out of 35 open positions, the hiring managers selected only 9 candidates.

I had failed as a recruiter in the year 2016.

Fast forward to 2019: a similar scenario unfolded, but this time, the outcome was vastly different. The interviewers ended up selecting candidates more than the vacancies because they didn’t want to let go of the exceptional talent pool in the market. The business managers were thoroughly satisfied with the time and effort HR had invested in helping to fill the positions and identify potential resources for other roles within the organization.

But what truly filled me with joy wasn’t the managers' approval or the success of the drive itself.

It was the delight and sense of achievement radiating from the job applicants.

Many of them had walked in with a mix of emotions; nervousness and doubt about their chances in such a competitive environment. Some admitted feeling intimidated by the presence of senior leadership waiting to test their mettle in the interview room.

Yet, most of them emerged victorious, ready to land their dream jobs.

That moment, the transformation of their fears into excitement, was what truly made the effort worthwhile.

As I congratulated the successful job applicants, I noticed a common thread among the majority of them. They had all embraced the essential tips and techniques on interviewing skills that I had shared with them before the interviews.        

The standout performers openly acknowledged that, beyond their technical expertise and job knowledge, my guidance had been instrumental in their success. They had learned how to tackle tricky questions, craft their responses intelligently, and build a genuine rapport with the hiring managers.

Now, if I sound like I’m boasting, let me explain why I feel this way.

Over two decades in diverse industries, I’ve grown into a seasoned talent manager. I’ve honed the ability to evaluate candidates’ skills and competencies, ensuring they align with specific job roles, while also understanding the mindset and perspective of business and functional managers, their rationale behind selecting or rejecting candidates.

One key insight I’ve gained is:

a candidate may check all the boxes in terms of qualifications and experience, but when it comes to holding a smart, engaging conversation that leaves a lasting impression on the interviewer, many strong profiles fall short.

This gap is where I’ve focused my efforts.

Driven by a passion for effective communication and presentation skills, I’ve empowered countless candidates to articulate their unique value propositions and leave a lasting impression on hiring managers.        

I believe that interviewing is an art, much like selling a product. It’s about understanding the needs of your prospective employer and showcasing tailored solutions that meet those needs.

Are you a fresh graduate or a seasoned professional looking to elevate your communication skills, especially during job interviews? I’ve got you covered!

With hiring experience spanning Pakistan, Dubai, and Canada, I’ve worked with multi-national and multi-cultural business stakeholders. Through personalized coaching and detailed feedback, I can help you accelerate your career trajectory and stand out in today’s competitive job market.

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