APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions.
Here, Karren gives her expert advice to a reader who is concerned that an error in a recent interview will limit their career prospects.
Q: I’m 31 and have built up lots of experience, moving jobs every few years and getting headhunted by my current company, where I’ve been for almost three years.
But I’m getting itchy feet, so have been applying for a few senior roles.
I was lucky to get an interview for a job at my dream company, and was really excited.
However, I went to pieces in front of the panel and forgot all the answers I’d perfected in my head.
It’s the kind of industry where everyone knows everyone, so word will get around and I’m now too embarrassed to go to networking events.
I’m gutted, and have even started making mistakes at work.
How can I get over this humiliation?
Anya
A: Everyone hits a bump in their career, but one bad interview or a moment of nerves doesn’t erase all the hard work and talent that have got you to where you are today.
It’s a setback, not a reflection of your ability or worth.
Take what you can from the experience, think about what you might do differently next time, then draw a line under it.
Confidence isn’t built by avoiding mistakes – it’s built by recovering from them.
If anyone does mention the interview, just say you were exploring opportunities to see what might be the right next step.
As for networking, it’s natural to feel self-conscious, especially when everyone seems to know each other.
Go in with curiosity, ask questions and listen.
You don’t need to have all the answers about your next move – most people are far more focused on themselves than on judging others, so don’t work yourself up worrying what they are thinking.
You’ve built a strong foundation and proven your capability.
This experience doesn’t undo that, it adds to the resilience and depth you’ll bring to the next opportunity.
- Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.
