Bombed an Interview Today and Don’t Know Where to Go from Here

Interviews can be daunting, especially when you’ve put in countless hours of preparation and still stumble during the assessment. Today, I faced one of those tough moments that many can relate to: I bombed an online technical interview. With a format that included two easy, one medium, and one hard-level question over a span of 70 minutes, I had high hopes for my performance. However, the reality was far from what I envisioned.

The Build-Up to the Interview

Since diving deep into the world of coding challenges and algorithms, I’ve spent the summer working through the Blind 75 and recently started on the Neetcode 150. Armed with these resources, I felt prepared to tackle the technical questions that awaited me. However, despite my efforts, I found myself feeling incredibly discouraged after the interview.

I managed to solve the first two easy questions in about 20 minutes, which gave me a false sense of confidence. But then came the harder questions. One was riddled with complex edge cases that I couldn’t navigate, and the other required an optimization technique that completely eluded me. As the clock ticked down, the pressure mounted, and I felt the familiar pang of self-doubt creeping in.

The Aftermath: Reflection and Frustration

Walking away from the interview, I felt defeated. It’s disheartening to invest so much time and effort into preparation, only to falter when it matters most. I couldn’t shake the feeling of being stuck. Grinding more through coding problems felt futile when I wasn’t seeing the results I wanted. I know I’m not yet at the level required to excel in these interviews, but it’s hard to keep pushing forward when success seems so elusive.

This experience has left me wondering: How do I move on from here? If you’ve ever found yourself in a similar situation, you know how important it is to process these feelings and find a way to bounce back.

Learning from the Experience

After sharing my thoughts on social media, I received some encouraging feedback from fellow coders and job seekers:

1. “Keep your chin up. I’ve failed numerous interviews, and it’s tough right now, but don’t give up. Keep grinding; you will succeed."

   This sentiment resonated with me. The journey to success is rarely a straight line. Each failure is a stepping stone, and perseverance is key.

2. “The more you interview, the better you’ll get at it. Identify the areas that didn’t go as planned and focus on improving there."

   This advice reminded me of the importance of self-reflection. Instead of viewing this experience as a setback, I can analyze the specific areas where I struggled and target those for improvement. Was it a lack of understanding of certain concepts? Did I mismanage my time? These are questions worth exploring.

3. “I bombed an assessment for a company I really wanted to work at, but I never quit. The thought of quitting makes me more resilient."

   Resilience is a crucial trait in the face of adversity. Knowing that others have faced similar challenges—and have emerged stronger—gives me hope. If thousands of others can succeed after setbacks, then I can too.

Moving Forward: Strategies for Growth

As I reflect on this experience, I realize that there are constructive ways to channel my frustration into growth:

• Focus on Weaknesses: I’ll take the time to identify the specific concepts and problem types that tripped me up during the interview. Breaking down the hard questions I faced and understanding the underlying principles will be crucial.

• Practice Mock Interviews: Engaging in mock interviews can help simulate the pressure of a real interview environment. This practice will not only sharpen my problem-solving skills but also build my confidence.

• Balance Preparation with Rest: It’s essential to find a balance between studying and taking breaks. Stepping away from coding challenges can provide a fresh perspective and help prevent burnout.

• Seek Community Support: Connecting with others who are on a similar journey can provide motivation and insights. Whether through online forums, study groups, or local meetups, sharing experiences can be incredibly beneficial.

Conclusion: This Isn’t the End

While today’s interview didn’t go as planned, I refuse to let it define my journey. Embracing the challenges and learning from my experiences will ultimately lead me to success. If you’re in a similar position, remember that you are not alone. The path to success is often fraught with setbacks, but with determination and resilience, we can overcome them.

Keep pushing forward, and let’s support each other through this journey. If you have any tips, experiences, or words of encouragement, I would love to hear from you in the comments below!