Save a Bad Interview

[lolilily]

Hello,

I hope that you can help as there are no other resources on the internet that I can find.

I had an interview today that went very well with one blip that I think may have heavily risked my chance at landing the job. This was with a company that I really want to be a part of. I met with three people, the first being the CFO. He had a very interesting method of interviewing by asking interesting questions (i.e., if I were to call one of your references and used Chinese water torture to get an answer from them on your weaknesses, what would they say)?

He asked me "What makes you mad"? This was a tough one for me because I never get obviously angry at anyone in the work place because I feel it's damaging, but in the past I have been told that I'm not aggressive enough and that's coming off in the interviews. So before even really thinking about my answer I said (stupidly) "The word 'No'. Although if it comes up in the workplace, I understand how to handle it rather than infuriating the situation." I was hoping this would come off as aggressive (in a good way).

I feel that this was a very very negative answer and I didn't realize it until I left the building. Luckily, nothing like that happened during the rest of the meetings and everything went smoothly aside. However, I want to fix it on the sly to save the interview. 1) what would you suggest? 2) how bad do you think this damaged my chances all things considered?

Thanks so much!

[David Sandusky]

Lolilily - You may be over analyzing the one blip in your interview.
Follow-up with everyone you interviewed and express the passion and interest in the company as you did here (have examples of why it is a fit for your style and skills you bring). The best way to counter the lack of aggressiveness you get as feedback is to show it.

I don't know what they shared as the next steps, but get back in there. If this was the final interview, make a stellar presentation in your follow-up that pulls from your core competencies and values towards what you know about the companies values and needs. I hope this helps, otherwise, elaborate here or contact me directly.

GO GET THIS JOB!

[SearchGuy]

Based on what you said here, you feel comfortable with the rest of the interview and other two interviews went well. Yes, you could have been better on your toes. Move forward with confidence and focus on the positives. Maybe you will get a chance to explain yourself if it really was negative in their eyes.
Best of luck!

[BarJon]

Anyone interested in sharing other bad interviews? I have had my blunders (do over please) on both sides of the desk!