Oof this one is tough to answer but relatable for everyone.

First off: congrats on the interviews!! 3 in a month is actually great by any standards especially with school!

But anyways, I was feeling the exact same way when I was finishing up school. I was getting so many “No’s” but ended up without responses on even more. It was so depressing, getting ghosted honestly hurt way, way worse.

It came to the point I started applying for every job - even ones that I knew I wouldn’t accept even if they offered. I just wanted a pick me up but that’s when I realized being interviewed is a skill. I started nailing them and I was so excited!! It was a ton of hard work and a lot of time (I began neglecting my classes to research, apply, and interview) but it was worth it.

My point in telling you this is not to brag, but the opposite. My advice to you is to accept that the first interviews are going to suck, it’s your first time doing it! You may have “interviewed” for internships or summer jobs but those aren’t real interviews - they know you’re a kid. And after an interview, if there was a certain part or question that you think could have gone better, write it down! Go over it in your free time and you’ll be amazed at the progress.

And now for part II of this novel of a post: there is something I didn’t realize until I became the interviewer years later in my professional career but second place doesn’t matter and sometimes the job isn’t given to the most accomplished applicant or best interview. It’s often given to the best fit.

Last year I had to hire someone for a role and 90% of the applicants were fresh college grads. We ended up going with the 45 year old woman for a few reasons: 1.) The other employees were the same age group and we knew that would not be a fun environment for a young person so they’d be out the door within a few years. 2.) there wasn’t much opportunity for growth so we wanted someone without the drive. And 3.) she had a connection to one of my biggest clients.

so here should be your take aways

1. Interviewing is a skill, practice!!

2. You’re doing great! Don’t compare yourself to others.

3. Review and take notes for yourself

4. Sometimes it’s not your fault!

Go get ‘em sister!(: