Lessons to Learn from a Failed Interview

Interesting article on lessons to take away from a failed interview and how to approach the interview. Adding my own thoughts to what the writer says:

1. Absolutely, "Always be Yourself". Remember, though to try to match the demeanor of the person you are interviewing with. If he/she is more formal and you are more casual, presentation may outweigh content. Other than that, be yourself because if you pass the interview by faking, you will fail in the long run if the "real you" is not what they want. That person will come out over time.

2. Confidence projects and is felt by others. Your aura pervades the room. Let it. Just be careful to word things constructively and not arrogantly. Also think about how the other person may perceive your confidence. For instance, "I am able to determine who the weak performers are and weed them out." may sound heartless. Focus on the positive, how you work with the good people and have a proven track record of success at evaluating the talent of your team and  "upgrading the talent level" in the places where it needs to be done.

4. Weaknesses: There is more to this than the author writes. People who can identify their weaknesses and not just give "textbook" answers demonstrate self-awareness and that they are "conscious competents". That term means they are aware of where they need to improve and know why they are successful. This was very important to me in my 20+ years as a hiring manager/interviewer because I was not always there to look over their shoulder. Also DO NOT give an answer that turns a weakness into a positive unless you can back it up. "I work too hard" is a really bad answer and shows that you are full of it; unless you can demonstrate that you are ill or divorced as a result. Still, not a positive.

5. "Go on the offensive" is a poor choice of words. Ask good, hard questions but make sure you are in a position of strength when you do so. The best time is when you have the offer or know it's coming. If you are still in the competition, challenging them may knock you down a few pegs and cost you the job.

I would add: "Prepare". If you are not ready with good questions, are not aware of their strategy or things about the company, it shows that you didn't care enough to prepare. Poof, there goes the opportunity.

Think of it as a learning opportunity as the author points out and find out what, if anything you could have done differently or better. Also, there are many things out of your control. The "person who is a better fit" may have been an internal candidate or an old friend of the hiring manager. 

Do your best. That is all you CAN do.