Feeling Lost After Failing a Campus Interview? Let's Explore How to Bounce Back Together

One of my friends could not get through his campus interview. He feels dejected. He is wondering why he failed while some of his classmates with similar percentiles were offered jobs. Having failed in the campus interview, what is the way out for him? What should he do to improve his chances of getting a good job?

G Mukundhan

Hi G Mukundhan,

I want to say one thing to your friend: don't feel regret. Learn from your failure and don't dwell on the negative aspects of it. Forget it and prepare yourself for the next opportunities.

In conclusion, I want to share a famous quote by Rabindranath Tagore: "When one door closes, another opens. But we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we fail to see the one that has opened for us."

Best Regards,
Bhuvnesh Singh
(09810709240)

Getting selected in a campus recruitment is not only a matter of percentage. Recruiters look for people who will have an easy transition from the campus to the workplace in the company. The entire profile of the candidate must match. There is hardly any reason to feel dejected because you may get rejected on account of being overqualified as well.

To be successful in campus recruitment, applicants must research the company thoroughly before appearing for the interview, especially regarding the organizational culture. The best source is to get in touch with senior batch students already working in that company.

Dear Student,

Nowadays, it is a regular incident on campus where the student who gets selected in the campus interviews gains so much popularity that others, who were not rejected but were deemed unsuitable for the job profile, feel a psychological pressure known as "Peer Pressure."

Your friend seems to be deeply hurt by the process, to the extent that he is unable to recognize his own capabilities. For many MBA students, final selection and securing a job can be quite turbulent. Remember, there is no need to compare yourself under any circumstances. While there may be grounds for comparison, the more we compare, the more we tend to feel inadequate.

Here are some immediate remedial measures:
- Check if the total placement process is complete.
- If more companies are yet to come, start preparing for them.
- Surround yourself with positive-minded students, avoiding those who exacerbate your feelings of failure.
- Reassess your capabilities.
- Spend some time on the internet, browsing through job-related sites to gradually boost your confidence.
- Some reputable companies require individual student registrations; consider registering with them.
- Explore alternative sectors where you would feel comfortable working.
- Do not base your evaluation solely on a high salary package.
- Remember, every student has the potential to succeed in the job market; believe that you will secure a job.
- Ensure you approach every interview with equal commitment.
- Consider having a brainstorming session with some of your close friends to identify areas for improvement.

If you still have further queries, we are here to assist.

Thank you.

Greetings to all who participated in this thread,

The solutions provided in this thread are simply superb! I myself completed my MBA with an HR specialization in 2008. I found it challenging to secure jobs in my core area and faced rejection in the final stages. However, I am aware of my capabilities (including areas where I am weak), sought assistance from my lecturers, and worked diligently. I am pleased to share that I have now been placed in an international school as a management trainee in the admin department.

My message to you is to not give up on your hopes and to keep them high. Avoid comparing yourself to others. In the industry, numerous opportunities exist, waiting for those who pay keen attention. The industry seeks individuals with the required skill sets, rather than focusing on percentiles or other metrics.

With regards,

Hi friend, the problem you have stated is not uncommon. I should tell you this first: you know how the market situation is now. So many companies refused to come for campus. Still, one big company was ready to come, and that too with a very big package (at least big for my college). We were so happy. Before coming, they asked for the students' details and resumes. Our placement center officers had sent them. But before coming to our campus, they shortlisted four candidates, and only they were allowed for the first round. We were shocked. We don't even know the reason for why we were rejected. The four were of different backgrounds (two had experience, two didn't, one from B.Tech, one from biotech, two from B.Com undergraduate backgrounds). We didn't know the reason at all. But now I feel that I am lucky not to have been shortlisted for that company because I am placed in a company with good pay and designation. Whatever you lose is for good only.

Ask your friend to note this:
--> Never associate percentiles with jobs (many 5 pointers are good at work than 8 pointers).
--> When a company does not select you, it's not that you don't have the potential. It means that your qualifications and other skill sets do not match with the profile. It's just that it's not your kind of job/company.
--> Try giving examples wherever possible (that got me the job).
--> Show them you are confident and not nervous.
--> Act like your own self. Please don't pose artificially.
--> If any of the interview panel members tease you (must be a stress interview), have a smiling face (tease back if you can). In my interview, one member was teasing me with my own words. I stood strongly by my words and teased him back, and other members started laughing. I should say that I impressed them at that moment because after the results were announced, the panel congratulated me privately. So don't get tensed when you are tested for stress.
--> Tell them you don't know the answer when you don't know. Please don't blabber.
--> Tell the word "sorry" when you are sorry for something. It's important to accept you are wrong when you are.
--> Ask them for the answers and ask them for their explanations. Show them that you are ready to learn from anyone and anytime. (When I did my project, I did the recruitment for a week in one company, and they allocated marks for that attitude).
--> Please don't throw your attitude before the panel. Don't show your superior attitude before the panel. Not all will accept it.

This is what I have learned from my experience. Hope this will help.

Dear Mr. Mukundan,

While attending the campus interview, students should also know some interview ethics.

1. Please prepare for the interview; if it's technical, be strong in your technical terms and jargon. If it's non-technical, focus on your communication skills. Nowadays, many companies prefer technical proficiency even if the candidate has moderate communication skills. However, for call centers or marketing companies, strong communication skills are a must. Moreover, many software companies now also expect good communication skills from candidates who excel in the technical domain.

Before attending the interview, everyone should follow these guidelines:

1. Proper dress codes (light-colored shirts, striped shirts, neatly ironed pants).
2. Well-combed hair.
3. Knowing something about the company profile, turnover, branches. This is essential because during the interview, they may ask questions about the company.

With regards,
Gokul 😊🌟

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Note: I have corrected the spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors, and adjusted the paragraph formatting to improve readability.

Hi Mukund,

Ask your friend to try to find out where he is lacking because HR or the interviewer will look into several things, such as his attitude, communication skills, presentation, technical knowledge, and so on. Just try to identify his mistakes and help him overcome them. For a talented person, the doors are always open.

All the best for your friend.

Regards,
Jagan