Managing Expectations During The Interview Phase

Applying, networking, interviewing and then receiving the final word can cause a lot of emotional ups and downs. So how do I manage my personal expectations and keep fairly calm when going through so many at once? I don’t. But I have tricks that help with some of the calm (massages not included).

Although I’m sure there is a mastery to managing emotions, I’m not there yet. I have learned over and over that it’s a game of odds when job hunting. The higher number of times I know someone who can network me in, the higher the chance of an interview. And then it comes down to fit. This means, be prepared to go through a lot a lot a lot of interviews.

This week, I’ve had not one, not two, but three rejection emails. (By the way, gone are the days of formal letters. It’s all electronic and not always an attachment – but it’s much faster). One way I managed my expectations was – I knew the answer when I was interviewing – not going to work out.  Two of them were two junior and one of them the wrong skill set. In fact, I hadn’t heard from two of them (the big brand names) until I stalked them. And I also stalked for specific feedback once I heard the news. This is what I also do when working on developing a client relationship and when we lose a pitch to someone else. Feedback is a vital part of the marketing loop so we can hopefully learn from our mistakes. Even if the mistake is – don’t go after that type of role again.

For all of the above contacts – I have successfully LinkedIn. Networking 101 accomplished, and expectations were kept realistic for all three rejections. This helps to keep emotions steady. No matter how it’s dished out, rejection is tough to accept – so I always scrutinize every job and role before I read the feedback and rejection.

• Could I work for this person?
• Do I like them? Do they define the role well? Are they too junior or inexperienced but wanting to prove they know more?
• Do they ask good questions?
• Do we seem to connect – is the chemistry there or is it awkward?
• Are they giving me a chance to interview them or treating me like one name in an assembly line?
• Are they flexible in their needs or very specific and can I meet those needs?

This is so tough to go through. I’m relieved to say, I received an initial offer. And I had a second round of interviews at another company which looks promising. These are both excellent roles for me (and the first one allows for part time!)

After so much rejection, my relief overwhelms me upon seeing the letter, but I realize it will take some negotiating before we get to yes, and no is still an option. I could very well be back to the grind.