Why You Should Never Trash the Interviewer—Even If You're Tempted
I've seen enough of this being done lately and felt compelled to write this blog! We’ve all been there. You walk out of an interview feeling frustrated, misunderstood, or even disrespected. Maybe the interviewer seemed distracted, asked irrelevant questions, or didn’t seem to grasp your value. I know, I've had my share of interview nightmares, from being asked if I have children, to being scheduled for an interview only to be canceled right before it because the 'right candidate' had already been identified! How? You didn't even interview me yet! The temptation to vent—online or offline—is real. But here’s the truth: no matter how justified your feelings may be, publicly criticizing the person who interviewed you is a mistake that can cost you more than you realize.
Your Reputation Is at Stake
In healthcare operations and leadership, your reputation travels faster than your resume. Hiring managers talk. Recruiters remember. And in tightly knit industries like ours, word gets around. A single negative comment—especially on LinkedIn or industry forums—can paint you as reactive or unprofessional, even if your critique was valid. No one wants someone in their team who has no filters! You want an audience for your frustration; you want others to validate those feelings, but trust me, publicly shaming an industry leader is not a good way to find yourself your next role.
Emotional Intelligence Is a Leadership Skill
If you're aiming for a leadership role, this is especially important, as you're expected to model emotional intelligence. That means showing restraint, perspective, and grace under pressure. Venting about an interviewer—even in vague terms—signals the opposite. Leaders rise above, even when the situation feels unfair.
Every Interview Is a Learning Opportunity
Instead of trashing the interviewer, ask yourself:
- What could I have done differently to steer the conversation?
- Did I prepare enough to translate my experience into their language?
- Was this a cultural mismatch—and if so, what does that teach me about the environments I thrive in?
Turning frustration into reflection is a powerful way to grow—and it positions you as someone who learns, adapts, and leads. Ultimately, if that role was not the right fit for you or for them, you must move on to the next opportunity.
The Long Game Matters
You never know who’s watching. That interviewer might move to a different company and remember your name. They might refer you to a colleague. Or they might circle back months later with a better opportunity. Burning bridges—especially publicly—closes doors you didn’t even know were open. By the way, if you're serious about growing your network, some of the most valuable people to have in your corner are those who know you—and aren’t afraid to offer constructive critique.
Let me explain as a leader in healthcare, continuous growth isn’t optional—it’s essential. And one of the most powerful ways to evolve is to identify the skills or qualities you may have lacked in the past and actively develop them. Who better to help you do that than the people who once considered hiring you, but ultimately didn’t?
Their feedback—if you're open to it—can be a goldmine for professional development. It’s not about dwelling on rejection; it’s about turning missed opportunities into momentum.
What to Do Instead
If you must, vent privately to a trusted mentor or friend.
- Journal your thoughts to process the experience.
- Follow up professionally with a thank-you note, even if the interview felt off.
- Refocus your energy on preparing for the next opportunity.
- Consider expanding your network - and inviting the interviewer to it! This is a great way to help them get to know you in the long run and keep you in mind for future opportunities!
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