Keep failing at interviewing

Ugh, I did it again guys and I'm kicking myself badly. I just can't interview and I don't know whats wrong with me. I face customers and answer their questions every day, I consult about IT all the time, I explain what I'm going to do, explain how I did it, and I've been doing the work for over 20 years, but I just have some problem when I'm in an interview situation.

Had an interview the other day, I got the call out of the blue with no job description, I realized within minutes they needed someone with enterprise experience in their technologies, but thats not the issue. I got asked how I'd deploy and route a wireless guest network in a hotel environment, (so multiple access points in a multi story building). It didn't matter how I answered because I already wasn't what they where looking for, but I'm just really mad that I just froze up and stumbled and didn't give them a good answer. I know how to configure and deploy the equipment and the considerations for channel zone overlap, etc.

This is just the most recent example, I've flubbed up even simpler things like the types of DNS records, etc.

I'm working on getting an interview for a job I really want in a few days and I'll probably freak out there too, I really need to ace an interview badly. I've been looking for a long time and had lots of interviews that I completely fail at every time. The only thing I got is blind stubbornness so I'm not giving up.

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Comments

Basic85

Danielm7 wrote: »

And this is one of the reasons why it's easier to find a job when you already have one. You're usually more comfortable, can take your time and ask questions so you can pick your desired workplace, negotiate the salary, etc. When you're starving for work the interviewers know it, they might treat you differently and most people start the interview scared that they might mess up and blow their big lead.

My last job interview was the best I've ever felt. I went through a few rounds over the phone and the manager brought me in early to talk to me before the group interview. He told me that they were pretty sure I was the one but wanted to make sure I fit in socially, so today is a formality but if I want the job it's mine to take in the future interview. I was instantly at ease, had a big panel interview where we were all laughing together, I couldn't have had a bigger dose of confidence walking into the group. Had I just walked in off the street and knew my mortgage was due in a week and I was broke there is no way I would have felt as comfortable.

It's more of a psychological thing, if you don't get an offer, it's not big deal as you already have a job. Another thing to note that just because you have a job that doesn't mean you'll get an offer. I'm in a situation where I'm not that desperate for a job so if an employer treated me horribly, I'd have no problems up and leaving.

lamont29

They were looking for an enterprise experienced person and clearly you are not that based on your certifications. I hate when employers decide to waste my time. I have gained a new appreciation for phone first interviews. I put everything on the table right then so that we all know what our expectations are. I am reluctant to go into a face2face interview without having talked to someone in great detail first.

JDMurray

GirlyGirl wrote: »

I bought a brand new (expensive car here) with windshield protection, full coverage insurance, gap insurance and Low Jack.

What, no rust-proof undercoating?

I once practically demanded that a car salesman sell me LoJack for an extra $1500. Only when my auto insurance company told me the LoJack didn't really lower my rates by any significant amount did I realize that I did the salesman's job for him.

GirlyGirl wrote: »

Don't argue with me about this positive rep.

No argument here and thank you!

ypark

I consider myself an introvert and I, too, get really nervous before my interviews. What had help me the most was practice and repetition. Just like when you would study for a cert. Think of it as just another skill or knowledge you need to master.

Google a bunch of interview questions and write down the answer for each. Sit in front of a mirror and practice your delivery. You want to practice until you are fluent and not awkward even when you don't remember your answer word for word. I guess doing mock interviews with friend/family may be better but I'd be too shy even for that.

During the interview, if you find yourself stumbling and uncomfortable, slow it down. It is OK to ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify the question to buy yourself some time to think. Also, I have told the interviewers that I did not know the answer to their question many times. If you are unsure of the answer, let them know and you can follow that up with what you think it is based on the similar topics you do know.

I have probably spent 20+ hours doing this last time I was looking for a job. Two interviews. Two offers. You just have to keep working at it.

Good luck. Hope you catch a break soon.

Dojiscalper

Thanks so much guys. I love this forum. The interview I was hoping for never came. We were in email contact before the holidays to nail down a date and time for an interview, but they dropped communication. I wasn't even being difficult so that's a red flag anyway in my book.

Now I got an interview for a great opportunity that very much aligns to some of my other IT and business skills. I have a week to prepare and I plan to go through the job details line by line and get my pitch together. I plan to WIN!

GeekyChick

I've said some pretty dumb things in interviews before and I consider myself an extrovert. So, you're definitely not alone. The thing, I think, to have in mind going into the interview is why you would be a good candidate and why you would be the best person for the job. Of course you need to do your research on the company so you can talk intelligently on why you would be the best fit for the job.

If you mess up maybe at the end you could recover and say something like, "I was really nervous and I realize I answered the question wrong but here are some good reasons why I would be an excellent employee" and of course tell them why. You have nothing to lose at that point if you feel the interview didn't go well. Sell yourself and know what makes you a good candidate!

Realize when you go into an interview you are probably already doubting yourself so turn it around and take some pressure off yourself. Think of it as an opportunity to practice interviewing. They already like you or they wouldn't have brought you in to the interview so now you need to figure out if you like them.