Missed the interview. Got the job.
Because I missed the interview, I was offered the job.
No, you didn’t read that wrong.
Yes, this is a true story.
I was at the Marcy subway platform in Brooklyn when the recruiter called to ask if I was on my way. WHAT? NO. I was on my way to my then-current job!
This was 2015, the height of the boutique fitness era in NYC, where people would drop $45 for a single visit to a completely full spin/HIIT/boxing class.
I was interviewing for a high-level account manager role at ClassPass, a two-sided marketplace start-up connecting gyms to fitness lovers. It was my dream job, getting to work alongside an Indian-American female founder, build an account management team, show up in yoga pants, and workout with clients. And I just screwed it up because my dumbass put the interview in my calendar for the wrong day. WTF Carolyn!!
I had two choices. Freak out. Or get creative. Definitely freaked out, but I was able to find ways to seize an opportunity.
Here’s what I did:
Owned up to it. There was no reason to make up a sorry. It was entirely my fault. I apologized.
Expressed my enthusiasm. I shared that I was still excited about the role and that it would be a DREAM to work for this early-stage fitness start-up.
Asked for a second chance. I gave my next availabilities and asked to please reschedule the interview.
Decided to stand out. I wanted to do something extra to prove I’m serious and professional. Sending apology emails to the hiring team whom I stood up didn’t feel like enough.
Showed off my abilities. This was a fitness start-up, with employees and clients passionate about wellness. I was able to get local green juices and organic chocolates with personalized hand-written notes delivered same day, to each interviewer to express my regret and how excited I was to meet them.
Aced the interviews. The interviewers all commented on how impressed they were with my gesture. I also did extensive homework by researching fitness and marketplace industries, the company’s biggest challenges, and their goals so that I knew exactly how to position myself as THE solution. I was called back for 2nd and final rounds and got an offer within a week.
Negotiated. I asked for a higher salary, more equity, and a later start date than the original offer, and GOT IT. And even if I didn’t get any of it, asking for it gave me a strong impression, especially given the role required client negotiations.
I was already a highly qualified candidate as an internal referral with years of relevant experience. BUT the interview mishap totally created a surprising opportunity for me to secure my position!
Ultimately, it came down to three key elements that sealed the deal:
I knew exactly what I wanted and WHY. Having done a lot of inner work, I knew exactly what my skills were, the types of companies and missions I wanted to be a part of, how much I wanted to make, and the lifestyle I wanted.
I tapped into my personal and professional networks. I invest a lot of time into building and fostering relationships knowing it’s constant work, not just when I want something. Being able to go through a referral versus applying online for a highly coveted job was THE reason I got the interview.
I clearly communicated the value I would bring. With the no-show incident, I was given an extra opportunity to demonstrate my ability to handle client issues, in the spot. And in the interviews, I was strategic and clear on how I am the exact person to solve their biggest challenges.
I ended up being at the company for 5.5 years, helping build it from the ground up, and working with some of the most incredible thinkers.
So, what’s next for you? Where do you want to go from here?
Perhaps you’re looking to secure your next dream job. Negotiate that dream salary. Be able to clearly communicate your skills to advocate for yourself.
I can coach you through the EXACT process that has worked for me and so many of my clients.