How an Interview from Hell Skyrocketed My Confidence: 5 Lessons Learned From the Other Side of the Table

A current of relief circulated through me as soon as I plonked myself into the driver's seat of my car, shuffling low to relax for a moment. It was the most awkward, uncomfortable interview that I had ever participated in, and I knew at that moment I needed to reframe my job search. 

To make a long story short, midway through my interview, a verbal argument broke out in front of me between my interviewers and a third party. Voices were raised, doors were slammed, and the interview had to be cancelled. I was told to come back another time. I left stunned and disappointed. 

Before I had experienced my "interview from hell", I was approaching my hunt for the perfect role far too impulsively. I was so romanced by possibility that I was ignoring key elements of my wishlist. I wasn't doing enough research on the culture of the organizations that I was meeting with, and most importantly, I wasn't treasuring my own talent. 

If you want to land a career with a company that deserves YOU, like I did with Grade A, here are some tips I've learned during my brief period on the other side of the table! 

1. Pay Close Attention to the Mood of the Receptionist. 

Receptionists deal with a lot. Seriously, next time you see one, give them a high five, they deserve it! Not only are they balancing tons of different tasks throughout the day, they are responsible for making the first impression to anybody that encounters the company. Does the receptionist treat you like you just entered a walk in clinic? That's bad news. The best organizations empower every team member, and valued staff are happy staff. You'll feel it as soon as you walk in. 

Bonus points if they already know your name and why you're there. 

2. Do your Research!

This is so important. Go on Glassdoor, Indeed, search for reviews, and ask friends/family/colleagues that have worked for the company, check out the Linkedin profiles of current staff! I've gotten career-saving information just from putting in that little extra time and effort to get to know the people I'm dealing with. A quick Google search showed that Grade A received an Employees' Choice Award for 2015-2016, that's a big deal! 

3. Read the Fine Print. 

Congrats on getting an offer! Make sure to ask for it in writing before accepting a position. I once verbally accepted a position that I was told was full time only to find out that I would be employed on a 3 month contract. Oops. Know exactly what you're getting into, and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Great employers value people that care about their careers, so don't be shy about negotiation, it's part of the process. 

4. Don't Chase Employers. 

After every interview, I always send a thank you note. But the ball is in their court after that. If you don't hear back from them, yes, they might be ridiculously busy, or out of town, or stranded on an island somewhere, but don't count on it. Chances are, they just aren't that into you. Awesome companies know that their success is dependent on having the best team, and they will jump on opportunities to bring great talent aboard. Be hopeful, but keep moving. 

5. Invest Confidence in Yourself. 

It's so hard to be confident during a job search, actually, it's the most difficult part. But here's the thing. Confidence is your magnet. You'll need it if you want to succeed. Write down all of your best qualities and what you have to offer. Swallow that piece of paper and strut towards your next great opportunity. Or, you know, just memorize it. Whatever works! 

You are worthy, you are ready, and you are going to kill it. Don't lose sight of that. 

6. Bonus tip: Be Grateful for EVERY Opportunity, Good and Bad.

I've had applicants write snarky emails after they didn't make the next round of interviews. Don't be that person. You just lost your chance at being considered for other roles that may come up, and also, you were given an opportunity. My worst interview was my most valuable lesson during my job search, because I became hyper focused on what I wanted and started valuing my talent. 

Haruki Murakami once said,

"...once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” 

 So throw away your umbrella, and enjoy the rain, because sunshine is just a drop away.