damage control on a simple mistakeI just finished an interview that went generally well. However, during the initial phase- there was a “written” portion that went partly awry. I flubbed on a simple math question (divided two numbers the wrong way)- producing erroneous results. The person in charge of timing me came back 5 minutes before the stated time was up- so I could not correct the error. (This was only one of two written questions).
The rest of the panel interview went well. How do I correct this? Do I write a thank you note and explain what happened?
Signed,
Frustrated and Angry! What would you say? I screwed up? They know that. You'll just have to let it ride and let it take its course. It it knocks you out, you can try saying that you realized the error but didn't have time to correct it. Otherwise, there's nothing you can do and you have no idea whether this is a major consideration for them or not.
Tess what about incorparating something like this in a thank you note: I wanted to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to speak to me about the xxx position. I appreciate your time and consideration in interviewing me. I would also like to take this opportunity to address question two on the written exam. Although complex math is one of my strongest skills, I made a simple inversion error during division. I realized the error after writing the answers, and was in the process of redoing the calculations when I was informed the time was up. A summary of the correct answer follows:
I’m certain this was caused by my interview nerves, and I do not want to leave you with the wrong impression of my budgeting, math and technical skills.
After speaking with the group, I do feel that I would be a perfect candidate for this position, offering adaptability, a broad skill set and the administrative and budgetary skills that are needed for this position. In addition to my strong technical abilities, I would bring the soft skills needed to manage people and diverse constituencies.
I am very interested in working for the xxxxxxxx and look forward to hearing from you regarding the next step for this position.
Please feel free to contact me if further information is needed. Thank you again for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
I dunno. I guess it couldn't make it any worse. My personal opinion is however, that you don't get a "do over" in an interview and you can't correct a screw up in a thank you letter. You can clarify something or highlight something, but you can't erase an actual error like this. It is all going to come down to how important this test is to them. If their requirement is that you pass the test with 100%, then it doesn't matter how much they like you otherwise. If they're on the fence about you and someone else because of the test, maybe it helps to say that you know where you went wrong. If they don't really care about the test at all, it just brings attention to something that they might not have cared about and it may also make them think that you can't handle pressure. I think this is one of those total toss up sort of things no matter which way you go.
Tess I would most definitely write a thank you and include a reference to your mistake. Doesn't have to be long & convoluted, just enough to let them know that you realized your error after you had made it, and were about to go back & correct it when they came to get you. That way they know that you know the right answer. Don't put it down to interview nerves or whatever--just say you made an error, etc. I once interviewed for a proofreading position, and made a careless mistake on the proofreading test (and I've been a proofreader for more than 25 years!). I waited a few days, heard nothing, then sent a thank-you note, with a mention of the error and a correction. Got a call probably the day she got the note, and was offered the job. Didn't take it, as the pay was too low, but I am positive my acknowledgement of the mistake and assurance that I did indeed know the correct answer got me the offer. In fact, the hiring manager must have been pretty impressed, because several months later I got a call from the HR director; the person they hired didn't work out, and they re-offered the job. However, they could not come up on the salary, so I passed on it again (I could have told them that whomever they found who would work for what they were paying wouldn't work out, but, hey, that wasn't my place). So, FWIW, I would acknowledge the mistake and go so far as to give them the right answer if you still remember the problem! Tess. we are on the same side of the street on this one. my guess is if the written portion is basic math and a candidate gets it wrong. A mea culpa ain't worth a whole lot.... cause in real life a math error on a bank deposit can cause a boatload of headache for the owner and even a math mistake in a technical report can be a big problem.... I agree. let it ride.
There were only two questions on the written test- so I figure they really wanted the right answer. So, I did indeed send them a note (that I posted here) acknowleging the mistake and corecting it... hopefully they will see it as the a previous poster noted that its better to let them Know you know there was a mistake.. I Dont think it could make matters worse..
Unfortunately, there's nothing you can do in this situation. The bottom-line is you messed-up. But 10 to 1, you weren't the only one who made mistakes, so I wouldn't sweat it. Besides, nobody's perfect! | |
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