At times, we must remember to take a pause, take time out, have some headspace and get into the zone before an interview.

Preparing for interviews is quite a nerve racking experience. Of course there is always a winner who will be announcing good news and there will be someone else who receives: We regret to inform you on this occasion you have not been successful’! A few people will come out and say that they did not get the job and wish they had done A,B,C,D….Or some will silently wither away and say it is a game of chance, luck or not their fate.

This is my experience: I got an invitation to an interview on a Monday and had to prepare a presentation too. The interview was set for Thursday 4pm! I said: Yes I can do it! I spent the evenings and nights prepping whilst also trying to finish off my MBA assignment – ‘Managing People’ which was due in less than a fortnight.

Have you watched ‘The play that goes wrong’ ? I remember watching the play in Cambridge in 2017 and was in laughter most of the time! Because everything somehow fell down or was not right!

I left home on Thursday morning with my notes and a print of my PowerPoint presentation ✅! I had a busy day ahead but I am always an octopus and fit it all in – I love a bit of a challenge!

3:30 pm: Oh dear! I realised that I was not going to make it on time for 4pm interview appointment! I sent a message to the organiser and said I was going to be late. I couldn’t help it because I need to see everyone who comes through the door!

There is a certain room that I had intended to use during the interview. A few people use it here and there but, normally it is empty! I went at 3:50 to collect something and there was someone in the room. I mentioned that I was coming back at 4pm and joked it will be interesting to hear your feedback on how the interview goes and she said it’s ok you can come. Feeling confident I had everything in control I carried on.

4:09: I managed to see the last person – grabbed my laptop and papers! I went to the room where I was going to sit during the duration for the interview. The other person I saw earlier on was in a meeting and tells me they have booked the room and I need to leave.

At this point; I am apologising to my interviewers and my next mission is to look for an empty room. I quickly dashed out and walked around praying. Luckily, I found an empty room.

💡 Lights on, action – I knew time was running out and the interviewers had to leave by 5pm. I sat down gracefully – deep breath and carried on. I had almost lost my gathered thoughts and composure at this point. But, I had to put a brave face and silently whisper to myself : ‘The show must go on’.

To be honest, I knew I had messed up big time and kept thinking ‘ They think I am a clown – I have come to be interviewed for a role that is about Leadership and here I am late, disorganised!

Whilst driving home that evening; I replayed the whole scene in my head and at night couldn’t sleep thinking What a palaver! How could I ever be late for an interview and even forget the most important things to say and sell myself!

Of course as expected, I got my commiserations and feedback! I have reflected and gotten courage to share my experience. Lessons learnt:

• It is ok even if things don’t go to plan
• Interviews give us the experience and we learn to be better from the feedback
• Take a day or a few hours off before an interview and get into the zone
• Develop goals : mid term, long term and work towards them
• Have less text on the PowerPoint presentation and don’t rush
• Surround yourself with like-minded people and get a coach or mentor
• Always believe in yourself and your potential
• Never give up on your dreams. Everything happens for a reason. There is always something out there for you even if you did not get the dream job during an interview.