In a perfect world, every interview you experience would go flawlessly. You’d dazzle the hiring manager with your brains, drive, and charm, and you’d have the best responses for each question. The reality is that it doesn’t always go like that. Whether you’re prepping for an upcoming interview or just left a not-so-perfect one, learn from our five cringe-worthy moments below.
The Story “I scored an interview for an accessories position at Harper’s Bazaar—a.k.a. my favorite magazine—a couple years ago. I spent days studying the masthead and the pile of issues I’ve been collecting since I was 14 years-old. The interview went well and I was on cloud nine—until I realized I only had one earring on, while interviewing for an accessories position. Awkward. Spoiler alert: I didn’t get the job. Apparently, the team liked me a lot, but was looking for someone with more accessories experience, which was valid. While I don’t know if anyone spotted my faux pas, I’m sure whoever they hired had a full set of earrings on.” —Digital Lifestyle Writer at business publication
The Lesson Do a double take before you enter your interview. Having every hair in place and the perfect cat-eye liner won’t make or break your interview, but looking put-together will show your potential employer that you’re professional, responsible, and detail-oriented. Plus, if you look good, you’ll feel a lot more confident. On your way to the interview, pop into a bathroom at the nearest coffee shop to make sure your hair, makeup, outfit and accessories are ready to wow.
The Story “I interned at a few Hearst magazines, but got an interview for a job I really wanted at Condé Nast. I was so nervous about ironing my outfit, printing out my résumé, going over my talking points in my head, I totally went on autopilot and showed up at the Hearst Tower with no time to spare. The minute I arrived, I realized my mistake. I figured I could just run over to Condé (57th Street to 42nd Street—not bad), but then I remembered Condé had just moved all the way downtown to One World Trade Center. That’s at least a half hour subway ride. I emailed my interviewer about vague “subway delays” and caught the first train I could. I wound up a couple blocks away, but it had just started to unexpectedly pour. I didn’t have an umbrella. My white blouse was starting to soak through. I took off my heels and sprinted all the way there (and I’m NOT a runner). Because my pants were floor-skimming in heels, they were way too long barefoot, and the hem actually ripped on my way there. I made it to the interview a half hour late, soaked, and disheveled. But I still got the job.” —Digital writer at teen publication
The Lesson Double check the address of your interview. Sometimes we get so nervous, excited, or both for an interview that we completely blank on the most important part: Where it is. Sure, confirming an address with a hiring manager or a quick Google search seems silly, but it’s worth taking the five seconds to check instead of showing up late. Oh, and check the weather before you head out to an interview.
The Story “I was interviewing to join a fashion closet and the person who I’d been speaking with over email was in a meeting, so her assistant did the interview instead. I called her Carrie a few times in the interview and she never corrected me, just kept on asking questions. At the end, I said thank you and she finally corrected her name. I think she was having fun because I got the internship.” —Social Media Manager at travel publication
The Lesson Memorizing someone’s name is never easy, especially when you’re already nervous at an interview. Save yourself a headache and study the masthead the night before. Some companies don’t disclose exactly who you’ll be meeting with beforehand, so it’s always a good idea to at least familiarize yourself with the full team. If you’re interviewing at a digital publication and can’t find the masthead, run a LinkedIn search for similar employees at the company. If anything, you’ll have even more talking points and seem extremely prepared.
The Story “I landed an interview at Vogue after I graduated. Everything was going really well until the interviewer started describing what the job entailed in more detail. I pulled my notebook out of my purse to take notes and was fishing around for a pen. When I pulled my hand out of the bag, a condom came out, too. I shoved it back in, but to this day, I’m not sure if the interviewer saw! I scored a second interview, but later turned it down because I landed my current job.” —Digital Features Writer at a women’s magazine
The Lesson Pack, erm, lightly. Unless you’re taking an interview on a back-to-back day, you’ll have time to go back to your apartment or office to pick up your other essentials. Keep your bag light and bring items you’ll actually use at the interview: Résumé, notebook, pen, mints, and lipstick for a mid-elevator touch up. And while you’re editing down the contents of your bag, take a final sweep to make sure there are no X-rated products lurking in the depths of your purse.
The Story “I was in the final round of interviewing for a new job and felt really positive about the opportunity. The job was exactly what I was looking for, the company culture was great, and I was really connecting with the editor I was interviewing with. And then I blurted out a curse word. It was ‘shit’ or ‘asshole,’ which isn’t the end of the world, but not ideal, either. Shocked that that even came out of my mouth—I don’t curse at the office, let alone during an interview—I immediately paused and profusely apologized to the editor, who didn’t seem phased. I think I let it slip because I already felt so comfortable at the company. And since I got the job, I think the feelings were mutual.” —Commerce Writer at business publication
Lesson This Edster was lucky, but let this be a lesson to watch what you say. While we encourage you to be yourself and confident during an interview, you should speak to your hiring manager as if you’re speaking to your significant other’s parents for the first time: Personable, poised, and respectful. When in doubt, take a couple seconds to think about your response before saying it. Nobody will hold that against you.
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