What Did I Do Wrong in My Interview?

“I prepared for all the expected questions. I researched the company. I practiced. I was just right for the role. But I didn’t get through. What did I do wrong?”

This was the heartfelt question from a client during an interview coaching session.

She wasn’t exaggerating. Her preparation had been thorough, her experience impressive- a consistent, upward career across regions and roles. And yet, she didn’t make it through. Her confusion was genuine, even tinged with disbelief.

So, what went wrong?

My Answer– Perhaps Nothing.

When it comes to leadership interview preparation, it’s important to understand that interviews aren’t just about right or wrong answers. They’re not scientific. They’re deeply human and subjective. Sometimes, it’s about the right match, the elusive ‘chemistry’, or the alignment between what you offer and what the organization believes it needs at that moment.

Many companies don’t have robust or transparent processes for evaluating candidates. Even when they do, there are always unseen variables at play. As a candidate, you often have only a partial view of what went into the final decision.

You may feel you were perfect for the role- but their definition of “perfect” may have been a little, or even entirely different.

Here’s the truth: much of the interview process is outside your control. And so, using the word “rejection” feels misplaced. It suggests you were lacking. More often, it simply means they were looking for something else.

So again- what did she do wrong?

My Next Answer-  I Don’t Know. Yet.

But that’s where interview coaching and feedback become invaluable. Not to obsess over what went wrong- but to explore what could be improved. Could something have been communicated more clearly? Was there a mismatch in expectations or assumptions? Was a story undersold?

Think of every interview like a unique meal. You don’t always know what the guest will order. But with the right preparation- great ingredients (your experience), excellent technique (your communication), and presentation (your personal brand), you increase your chances of delighting the diner.

So, don’t beat yourself up. Seek feedback. Recalibrate. Prepare again because leadership roles are nuanced. And so are the interviews that lead to them.