The Pitfall of Misrepresentation: Lessons from My Unexpected Interview Setback

In a recent post, "The Illusion of Influence Without Hierarchy: Why Efficiency Always Wins", I shared a recent corporate setback where an opportunity for an entry-level management position didn’t go as planned. Reflecting on that experience, I realized that I had inadvertently misrepresented myself in the interview, leading to an outcome that could have been different if I’d approached it more thoughtfully. Here’s a closer look at what happened, why, and the takeaways I believe can benefit anyone looking to avoid a similar “Waterloo” moment.

Discovering the Misrepresentation Through Feedback

After the interview, I received a supportive message from my former manager, who had heard the news and wanted to chat. He reached out to the interviewers to understand what had happened and then connected with me to discuss his observations. During our conversation, he noted that my communication style in the interview may not have conveyed my usual collaborative and supportive approach. Although he knew me as someone who values guiding and including others, he pointed out that this might not have come across effectively. Separately, I also sought feedback from a mentor I’ve often turned to for guidance. Though more reserved in his feedback, my mentor suggested that my strengths and skills may not have been fully expressed in the interview either. This feedback shed light on a valuable realization: I had inadvertently given an impression that didn’t align with who I am or how I typically lead. Moments like these are invaluable, as they offer a chance to understand how others perceive us - insights we can rarely see ourselves. It’s a great reminder of the value of constructive feedback and how it can be a tool for self-discovery and improvement.

Reflecting on What Caused the Misrepresentation

The experience made me question why I’d misrepresented myself, leading to a few key insights:

1. Assuming I Didn’t Need to Prove Myself

Because this was an internal position, I went in with the mistaken belief that the interviewers already knew my strengths and work style. This assumption led me to present ideas as if I already had the role, rather than showing why I would be a good fit. I wasn’t communicating from the perspective of a candidate but rather from a place of assumed familiarity.

2. The Impact of Nerves

Preparation breeds confidence, and lack of preparation often brings nerves. In this case, my nerves prevented me from conveying my true intentions effectively. A relaxed candidate can help set a positive tone for the interview, making the interviewers feel comfortable and receptive, but I had unknowingly created tension with my unintentional rigidity.

3. Taking What’s Natural for Granted

When certain skills come naturally, we may fail to articulate them, assuming others will intuitively understand our approach. However, interviewers can’t fill in the blanks - they need explicit details. This is often a distinction between an entrepreneur’s “born leader” mindset and a corporate leader’s structured approach, where communication of ideas is carefully articulated.

4. Overstepping with Questions

Lastly, asking overly ambitious or challenging questions can sometimes come across as threatening. Instead, it’s often better to frame questions within the interviewer’s comfort zone to avoid triggering defensiveness or insecurity, especially in settings where hierarchy and cautious communication are valued.

Takeaways: Turning “Waterloo” Moments into Growth Opportunities

If you’ve ever had a moment like this - where you felt poised to win an opportunity but fell short—the key is reflection and recalibration. Each of these missteps offers a lesson on the importance of clear, intentional communication, particularly when it comes to representing your true strengths and intentions.

Moving forward, the goal is to avoid misrepresentation by aligning our intentions with our communication style. Each setback, when fully understood, brings us one step closer to achieving our next win.

Let this serve as a reminder: Don’t let assumptions or nerves obscure who you really are. The best way to prepare for the future is to represent yourself authentically and clearly.