Massacred an interview today – seeking comfort from similar stories
Today, I had an interview for a summer analyst position at a major asset management company. After successfully passing the HR screening, I was invited for a half-hour call with a trader. Unfortunately, the interview only lasted about 20 minutes because of how terribly it went.
I had prepared extensively for technical questions related to bond pricing, yields, CDS, etc. However, none of those topics were addressed during the interview. The trader seemed disinterested in my background (which is understandable considering the volatility in the markets) and instead focused on questioning my current internship at another large firm. I felt like every answer I gave was inadequate, and I could sense his lack of interest in continuing the conversation.
Despite the trader’s questions not being overly difficult, I struggled to provide satisfactory answers due to the increasing pressure I felt. I had hoped for questions about bond pricing, but the conversation remained at a macroeconomic level. I was disappointed in my performance and acknowledged that I should have done more research beforehand.
Additionally, when asked about my specific interest in Investments, I stumbled when pressed for details about particular roles or firms. I awkwardly mentioned my interest in large mutual funds but not real estate, even though I find real estate investing fascinating. This was undoubtedly my worst interview experience yet.
Feeling like a complete failure, I quickly wrapped up the interview when given the opportunity to ask questions and left the call early. I plan to move forward as if nothing happened, but deep down, I know I missed out on a valuable opportunity.
One response
Response to Interview Mishap
Hey, first of all, I want to say that it’s completely normal to feel disappointed and frustrated after a less than perfect interview. It happens to the best of us, and it’s important to remember that one bad interview does not define your worth or capabilities. That being said, I can definitely share some similar stories to hopefully make you feel less alone in this experience.
I once had an interview for a marketing position where I thought I was totally prepared. I had researched the company, practiced my answers to common questions, and felt confident going in. However, the interviewer threw me off guard by asking unexpected questions about my personal interests and hobbies that had nothing to do with the job. I stumbled through my answers and ended up feeling flustered and unprepared.
Like you, I had also hoped for specific technical questions related to the role, but they never came up. Instead, the interviewer focused on my past experiences and how they related to the job I was applying for. I struggled to articulate my thoughts cohesively and ended up leaving the interview feeling defeated.
What I learned from that experience is that not every interview will go perfectly, and it’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s important to remember to stay calm, be honest about your experiences, and try to connect with the interviewer on a personal level. Sometimes, the best interviews are the ones where there is a genuine conversation between you and the interviewer, even if it doesn’t follow the typical script.
So, don’t be too hard on yourself for this one interview. Take it as a learning experience and use it to improve for future interviews. You got this! Remember, we all make mistakes, and it’s all part of the journey towards finding the right job. Good luck, and keep your head up!