The #1 Interview Mistake That's Costing You Job Offers
When Your Past Haunts Your Future
Have you ever walked into a job interview carrying invisible baggage? I'm not talking about your portfolio or briefcase—I'm talking about those past workplace experiences that shape how you view every new opportunity. At Work It DAILY, we've seen countless talented professionals sabotage their interviews without even realizing it. Let me share a powerful story from our CEO, J.T. O'Donnell, that perfectly illustrates this point.
The Group Interview Gone Wrong
During a pre-pandemic group interview session (yes, we do those at Work It DAILY—it's actually a fantastic way to see how candidates interact with others), J.T. encountered a situation that perfectly demonstrates what not to do in an interview. A highly experienced candidate arrived, took one look at her younger competition, and immediately shifted into defense mode. Arms crossed, tone condescending, she punctuated every response with "given my experience"—essentially creating an invisible wall between herself and everyone else in the room.
The Hidden Saboteur: Projection
Here's the thing: this candidate's experience wasn't the problem. Her projection was. She had already decided she was being discriminated against because of her age before anyone had a chance to evaluate her actual abilities. The defensive body language, the subtle jabs about her superior experience—it all screamed "I'm uncomfortable, and I'm making everyone else uncomfortable too."
The Wake-Up Call
When J.T. provided feedback to the candidate, something remarkable happened. The woman broke down and revealed the root cause: a previous job where she'd felt outdated and replaced by younger colleagues. This baggage wasn't just affecting her interview performance—it was actively preventing her from securing new opportunities.
Breaking the Cycle
Let's be real: we all have past experiences that have left their mark. Maybe you've dealt with a toxic workplace, felt overlooked for promotions, or struggled with imposter syndrome. But here's the crucial difference between success and failure in interviews: successful candidates don't let their past experiences color their future opportunities.
Your Action Plan
Recognize your triggers before they surface
Practice neutral, open body language
Focus on collaboration rather than competition
Treat every interview as a fresh start
Consider working with a career coach to resolve lingering workplace trauma
Time for a Fresh Start
If any part of this story resonates with you, know that you're not alone—and more importantly, know that there's a solution. At Work It DAILY, we're passionate about helping professionals present their best selves in interviews and beyond.
Ready to transform your interview game and leave that baggage behind? Check out our free resources, which are linked at the bottom of this newsletter. We've got everything you need to walk into your next interview with confidence, clarity, and the right mindset to land that dream job. Your future self will thank you for it!
You’ve got this!
Cassidy O’Donnell
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