I was surprised to get negative feedback after an interview because I thought it went well and really want the job. What do I do?

Unfortunately, if an interview goes badly there are rarely second chances. The best thing to do is reflect on your previous interviews, move forward and practice so the next interview goes better. Since I don’t know what went wrong with your particular interview, I will give you our Top Ten Mistakes in an Onsite Interview:

1. Being Defensive is always a mistake even when the interview questions can get rough. Some styles of questions are to see how you handle stress and conflict. Getting defensive does not get a passing grade.



2. Embellishing your accomplishments. This comes back to bite people through references or just sounding too good to be true. If your accomplishments were a team effort, present them as such.



3. Over-selling yourself. This goes with the previous point, but using too much “me” is rarely a good thing.



4. Interrupting your interviewer. Not only is it rude, but it displays a lack of listening skills and empathy.



5. Lack of questions. A key to a successful interview is asking good quality questions to all your interviewers. It keeps the balance of an interview and shows, in a more subtle way, than over-selling, that you know the business and have done your homework.



6. Details on your job search are not a good idea when you are trying to get this job. If asked the question, what other opportunities are you looking at? You should answer honestly if you have other active situations, but leave the details out and bring the focus back to the current role.



7. Personal issues and drama should be left OUT of an interview. This is not the appropriate time in a process to discuss your latest personal crisis. Keep the conversation focused around the work, the company culture and future growth. There will be time down the road if things go well for in depth personal information.



8. Talking negatively about past employers is always a no, no. Nine times out of ten it just sounds like sour grapes so leave it at the door.



9. Dropping names of important people you know can backfire versus work in your favor. It is too soon to know who your interviewer knows and who they like and dislike, to get caught on the wrong side inadvertently.



10. Lack of eye contact will always cause an interview to fall short. People who do not make direct eye contact are usually perceived as being dishonest or hiding something.

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