Today's questions are both thought-provoking and relatable, so let’s dive right in.

Martin's Question:

"I am 56 years old and looking for a new direction. I was a teacher for fifteen years but left under difficult circumstances. I don’t want to return to the classroom and am now seeking a steady job with benefits.

I’ve applied to multiple companies, school districts, and even the police department for clerical/office positions.

I’ve had a few interviews and felt they went well, but apparently, they didn’t. For one position, I needed 70% to pass the oral technical questions, but I scored 65% despite feeling positive about the experience.

Clearly, I’m delusional. How can I objectively assess my performance and the quality of my interview answers?"

First, Martin, thank you for sharing your story—your question is one many people face but don’t know how to articulate. Actually, this is two questions rolled into one:

1. How do I find a clear career direction?
2. How do I objectively evaluate my interview performance?

Here’s the good news—they’re connected, and solving the first can greatly improve the second.

1. Find Focus in Your Job Search

When you don’t have a specific target in mind beyond "a steady job with benefits," it’s challenging to convince an employer that you genuinely want their position. Employers want to feel like you’re passionate about joining their team—not just looking for a paycheck.

Take some time to reflect on what kind of work energizes you. What skills from teaching do you enjoy using? For example:

• Do you love mentoring or training others? Explore roles in corporate training or instructional design.
• Are you highly organized and detail-oriented? Administrative or project management positions might be a good fit.
• Do you have a knack for problem-solving and communication? Look into customer service or support roles.

Once you narrow down your focus, you can tailor your applications and interview responses to highlight why you’re the perfect fit for that specific job.

2. Objectively Evaluate Your Interviews

It’s easy to feel confident—or even overconfident—about an interview, only to find out later that it didn’t go as well as you thought. But here’s the thing: our memories aren’t always reliable.

If you can, record yourself during a mock interview or a real one (if the interviewer permits it). When you play it back, you’ll likely notice three things:

• Parts where you thought you nailed it may not sound as strong.
• Sections where you felt unsure might come across better than you imagined.
• Patterns or habits, like rambling or not fully answering questions, will stand out.

The goal isn’t to beat yourself up but to identify areas for improvement. Did you clearly convey your unique value? Did you demonstrate how your skills and experience meet their needs?

Practical Steps to Improve

Here’s a simple exercise you can do at home:

1. Write common interview questions on index cards, especially ones that make you nervous.
2. Hand the cards to a friend or family member, have them shuffle the deck, and ask you questions at random.
3. Time your responses to keep them concise (about 1-2 minutes).
4. Record the session on your phone and watch it back later.

As painful as it might be to watch yourself, this practice can help you refine your answers, identify areas to improve, and build confidence.

Jenn's Question:

"I recently interviewed with a company, and I thought everything went great—until I found out they passed on me after speaking with one of my former colleagues. This person didn’t have a good impression of me, but I know the circumstances were unique and not representative of who I am. Should I contact the hiring manager to explain or let it go?"

Oh, Jenn, this is tough. Most of us have a “skeleton in the closet”—a damaged professional relationship or a less-than-stellar moment from the past. Unfortunately, in a small industry, these things can come back to haunt us.

Here’s my advice:

1. Let This Opportunity Go

If the hiring manager already made their decision based on negative feedback, it’s unlikely you can change their mind. Reaching out to plead your case might reinforce their decision rather than reverse it. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is gracefully move on.

But don’t lose hope. If you had a good rapport during the interview, you might still be on their radar for future opportunities. Send a polite thank-you email to leave a positive impression.

2. Repair the Relationship

This is the hard part, but it’s essential. If your former colleague’s negative feedback cost you this job, it could cost you others in the future. Reaching out to mend the relationship might feel awkward, but it’s worth it.

Here’s how to approach it:

• Apologize if you made mistakes in the past.
• Express gratitude for any positive contributions they made to your professional growth.
• Keep it short and genuine. You’re not trying to become best friends—just to neutralize any lingering negativity.

Even a simple act of reconciliation can go a long way in preventing future issues.

3. Build Stronger Professional Relationships

Relationships are the “currency” of your career. Invest in them like they’re gold. Here’s how:

• Stay in touch with former colleagues and managers, even if it’s just a friendly note or holiday card once a year.
• Avoid burning bridges when you leave a job—always exit gracefully.
• If conflicts arise, address them early with kindness and professionalism.

Final Takeaway

Whether you’re like Martin, searching for direction and clarity, or like Jenn, facing challenges from the past, the key to moving forward is to focus on what you can control: your preparation, your attitude, and your relationships.

Remember: Your career is built one connection, one opportunity, and one small step at a time.