Annie is one of my favorite musicals. The overriding theme of hope and unwavering positivity in the face of overwhelming odds is inspiring (and wildly entertaining). I mention this because sometimes in this crazy world of job searches and interviews, there can be a great deal of disappointment and rejection that can either be defeating or, hopefully, motivating. Fantastic attorneys sometimes miss out on positions they covet and it can be a tough pill to swallow, but if you pick yourself up, dust yourself off and “when stuck with a day that’s grey and lonely, just pick up chin and grin and say, the sun will come out tomorrow” you will find that the lessons learned from interviews, both good and bad, will actually help you down the road land the job of your dreams.

The first thing to remember after any interview is that your immediate reaction is usually ‘Oh, I nailed it!’ or ‘Well, that was awful’. Many times these immediate reactions are based on the last interaction you had, not on the whole day of meetings. Calling your recruiter is essential during this time, as she will have a level head and will know the right questions to ask in order for you to really get a full picture of how the day truly went. She will be able to give you pointers and constructive criticism that will be invaluable in the next interview.

Interviewing can be a stressful and intimidating process. No matter how much work experience you have, it is more than likely you haven’t interviewed for a job in years. It is OK to make mistakes, as we can do mock interviews until the cows come home, but there is no substitute for the actual process. Each time you interview you will learn to use the butterflies in your stomach to your advantage and turn nervousness into confidence. A good recruiter will have prepped you for the interview and take her tips and tricks to heart, they usually work.

Interviewing can be an uncomfortable and nerve-racking experience, but it does not have to be that way. Listen to your recruiter, learn from mistakes and be confident. Any qualified recruiter will only put you in a position to succeed; she is only going to present you to the client if you are highly qualified for the position. Confidence is the key that will eventually open up any opportunity you go after.  And if all else fails, take a note from our friend Annie. She went from living a ‘Hard Knock Life’ cleaning laundry for Miss Hannigan at the orphanage to changing the lives of Daddy Warbucks, President Roosevelt and everyone else around her just by being positive and confident. And remember that should you miss out on a position or have a bad interview the sun will come out tomorrow and the next interview is only a day away!