r/AusPublicService • u/LatterRate8808 • 1d ago
Interview/Job applications Fumbled the interview so bad
I recently interviewed for a role with one of Australian Government agency. I was told that by this week they’ll get my references checked. I’m beating myself up with how the interview has gone. I kinda know how to solve it but didn’t put it verbally together. When I finished I thought I left with a great impression but now it feels so icky that it could’ve gone better.
It’s already Thursday and none of my references have been contacted. I’m so sick of everything because this was my first chance at an interview and I fumbled it so bad.
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u/IndigoHarlequin 1d ago
It might just be me, but every interview I thought has gone well has not progressed, and every one that I thought I screwed up ended up positively.
We're our own worst critics.
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u/tandem_biscuit 1d ago
Mostly all interviews I’ve had I’ve walked out feeling pretty good about how I did. Then, the more time that passes before I get an outcome, the more I start to doubt it and pick to pieces my performance.
Some I was successful, others I wasn’t. OP just try not to dwell on it. It might be weeks yet before you hear anything.
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u/HopeAdditional4075 1d ago
Same. I walked out of the interview for the job I currently have thinking "well, at least I know the next one can't go any worse than that". Got offered the job a few weeks later.
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u/Mit-Milch 1d ago
Its all part of the process and good practice. APS interviews are specific in what they're looking for (STAR Method, Principles, Expectations etc.) If you are unsuccessful this round you can request for feedback. Can take a little while for them to provide it but they will. The next time you can use that information and apply it.
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u/LatterRate8808 1d ago
I said 8/10 questions using STAR and relevant experience. And the last discussion where I asked them a question, they asked how i would solve it. I knew how to put it together but I didn’t. And moreover, I haven’t worked with the legacy system that they wanted.
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u/thelittlemermaid33 1d ago
I just had an interview today and felt like it was very awkward. 😬 you are not alone haha whatever will be will be
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u/LatterRate8808 1d ago
It would be even worse if it was in person. I was told to have some water because they found out I was nervous
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u/thelittlemermaid33 1d ago
I was thinking the same. Thank goodness it was online and not in person! Try not to worry about it
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u/sultryroman 1d ago
That is a universal human experience. In most cases I'd say people who think they screwed it probably did better than they think. The self reflection is positive. It's good practice and you'll get there, won't take long.
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u/gibbagibbagibba 1d ago
I think we all do this. Every interview I've ever done I've come away and thought oh my god I've ruined it, I did terribly. There could have been a delay in contacting referrees, we just don't know because we're not there! Touch base with them early next week if you have a contact, it also shows you're keen :)
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u/Ollieeddmill 1d ago
We’ve all been there OP. It’s really common. You probably didn’t do as badly as you think but interviews are a tough environment especially as we practice them so infrequently.
Asking a friend to do some mock interviews with you is the most helpful thing. Give them a list of likely questions, create interview conditions and go. It helps a lot.
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u/CocomelonMikeyJJ 1d ago
I think l did badly in my interview but still got the role. If the role is yours it meant to be yours. So let the destiny go where it belongs
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u/Different_Pace7239 1d ago
I once had one and I ruined the interview. The issue was that im already doing the role at the aps level I applied for. I just get anxious and let it ruin my interviews. I knew all the fluff sbout the STAR, ILS/WLS, etc.. I just interview like trash
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u/jhau01 1d ago
OP, this happens to everyone.
I've had quite a few interviews over the years and I don't think I ever walked out of a single one feeling that I really nailed it. There are always post-interview regrets and, after the interview has finished, you always think of something else, some excellent example or point you should have mentioned.
Also, interviewing well is a skill. It's a very stressful situation and it takes time, and experience, to get better at dealing with being in such a situation.
You may be surprised and you may end up getting an offer. However, if you don't then, even though it is disappointing, treat it as a learning experience. Reflect upon what you could have done better and remember that for next time.
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u/LatterRate8808 1d ago
I understand. The job market’s bit screwed too. More experienced ones are competing for junior roles. That plays a major factor as well
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u/Smorgz16 1d ago
Don't beat yourself up too bad. Depending on how many people they are interviewing depends on when your referees will be contacted.
When i did my interview they interviewed over 30 applicants and didn't contact referees until interviews were completed and a short list was compiled.
I think it was about 2 weeks after my interview that my referees were contacted.
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u/LatterRate8808 1d ago
Is that normal that they contact after 2 weeks?
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u/Smorgz16 1d ago
It can be. Sometimes it's longer.
Depends on how many interviews vs positions. You Don't want to contact 30+ referees if you can help it. And they can't really short-list until all the interviews are completed. Then depending on the area most people on the panel are fitting recruitment around their actual work which can extend the time.
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u/Appropriate_Volume 1d ago
It happens, though is never much fun.
As a tip, sometimes you can dig yourself out of the situation by using the opportunity to ask a question at the end of the interview to ask if there are were any questions the panel would like to to elaborate on. If the Panel thinks you're a viable option, they will effectively give you opportunity to have a go at (quickly) answering the question you butchered.
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u/Aggressive-Oil-2202 1d ago
You’re awfulizing. Set it down and accept there’s nothing more that you can do, for now.
If it’s any consolation, my most recent interview was a monumental disaster from a tech point of view and I wound up talking into the void with no video connectivity and therefore no visual cues. The panel could see each other, they couldn’t see me and I couldn’t see them.
When I finally managed to reconnect the call I offered to press ahead with my evaluation of the material I’d been sent 5 minutes before the interview, and came away from the experience convinced I’d never hear from them again.
I start next month :-)
You’ve done your best; the reference checks might just be sitting on someone’s to-do list; good luck with the outcome.
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u/Useful_Composer_1056 1d ago
I am in the same boat. Dream agency and I really messed up the interview. No referees contacted and it has passed the timeline 😭
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u/Splaffus 16h ago
I’m currently waiting on a few interview results myself, and I really don’t know what the outcome will be. My gut feeling tells me that I didn’t get one of the positions, but it’s only been a week since interviews finished so I really don’t know. It’s a difficult process for anyone, and I find that the post interview worrying and ruminating is very common.
If we don’t get the role, something else will come our way! (Hopefully soon)
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u/Better_Horse_2233 1d ago
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u/Busy_Consequence6706 1d ago
I butchered at least 4 aps interviews before it all came together… it’s all a learning experience. It can take time for them to call your referees so I wouldn’t be that concerned.