From Hiccups to Pickups

Setting Expectations for a Successful Interview Process

When you think of failing, you probably don’t think about Oprah Winfrey.  You likely don’t see the struggles that she endured on her way to success.  You probably do not think about the prospect of failing and interviewing for a job either.  But both are part of the career navigation process.

                With all the successes that Oprah has accomplished throughout her career, she has a number of obstacles as well. Oprah has been known to share her story of a tumultuous childhood and being fired from her first job as a news anchor[1].  Oprah also discusses the ups and down on the road to success by explaining that, “there are no failures…there is no wrong path.”  She believes strongly that even the instances of being faced with a loss or difficulty are tools that you can use to learn and, “wake up” to your destiny[2].  

                If you have ever experienced a failure, it can be easy to want to give up and not put yourself back in a situation where failure might occur.  And, if you’ve ever been on an interview that didn’t go well, it can feel a lot like missing out on the perfect job or the right opportunity.  But there is something to be learned from Oprah and other successful entrepreneurs.  The indelible sense of failing forward.

                She said of her experience being fired from a job, “I had no idea what I was in for or that this was going to be the greatest growing period of my adult life.”  Oprah utilizes what has been referred to as a growth mindset.  Carol Dweck, professor of psychology at Stanford University considers a growth mindset as opportunity to believe you can improve.  Watch her popular TedTalk on the topic HERE. 

                Research has shown that most corporate jobs receive up to 250 resumes which results in four to six candidates being chosen for interviews and only one receiving the job.  According to recruiters, it often takes three interviews before a job offer is received.  That means as much opportunity as there is to impress, there’s just as much of chance you encounter some hiccups in the process.

                Oprah might say that the first two interviews were an opportunity to fail forward.  Those first two interviews were a chance to pick up new interview strategies, self-reflect, gain feedback on what to do differently, practice more interview skills, and use a growth mindset to think about and plan for future interview opportunities.  This is an opportunity to adjust your mindset from interview hiccups to interview pickups!   

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[1] https://www.businessinsider.com/rags-to-riches-story-of-oprah-winfrey-2015-5

[2] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tQjf0lKuEg