Easing Post-Mission Debrief Worries: Why Your Interview Seemed Tougher Than It Actually Was
"I absolutely nailed that interview!!" ............hold your horses.
Experience in the executive search and military transition has shown a common pattern whenever veterans are asked how they think their civilian job interview or 'debrief' went.
If these words are their response, it often suggests a few possibilities:
- They might have dominated the conversation
- They might believe the interviewer completely agreed with them
- They find it challenging to gauge their performance objectively
....
Whatever the case, it signals overconfidence, which often does not correlate with a successful transition. But what occurs if you come out of an interview feeling like you were under heavy fire, and thinking you completely messed up?
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that job interviews aren't just about the employer scouting for talent. It's equally important for you, as a veteran, to determine if the company and the role align with your skill-set and aspirations. Given this perspective, here are some reasons why your last job interview probably went better than you think.
If you exit an interview feeling as though you've just navigated through a minefield, it suggests you were pushed to your limits, often an excellent sign in terms of evaluating fitment for a role. If you faced hard-hitting questions or were presented with scenarios that required agile thinking, it means the interviewer was assessing your ability to handle pressure and unfamiliar situations. They're keen to determine if you can adapt and think critically, skills that are paramount in any job.
Moreover, it's all too easy to concentrate on the instances where you might have stumbled or had to take a moment to develop an answer. However, it's worth remembering that the interviewer looks at your potential and skills, based on your service record and previous experiences. A single difficult question does not determine the overall performance.
Another point to consider is that interviews are quite subjective. The interviewer's perception of you can be swayed by various elements, such as their own biases, mood, or even how the previous candidate performed. So, even if you feel you didn't perform to the best of your ability, there's a good chance the interviewer took note of your positive attributes.
Last but not least, every interview is a learning experience. Regardless of the outcome, each one provides an opportunity to sharpen your skills for future 'debriefs'. So, even if you didn't land the job, you've gained invaluable experience for future interviews.
In summary, don't let post-interview worries weigh you down. Remember, debriefs do not perfectly reflect your capabilities or potential as a veteran transitioning into civilian roles. Instead, focus on your strong points and carry on marching forward.