Did I bomb my interview? How to recover from this?

Question

Hi everyone,

I recently had an interview with my dream company — and, honestly, I feel like I bombed it.

I’m currently transitioning from my role at an MBB firm and was referred to this opportunity by an alumnus from my current company. I was incredibly excited about the role. However, the case interview was in a sector completely different from both my area of specialization and the one I was applying for. During the case, a few moments stood out:

When the interviewer read the case, I asked her to repeat the section about revenue streams to make sure I understood it correctly.
Later, when shown a graph with all revenue streams, I asked clarifying questions about the differences between B and C and how they related to A. Once she explained, I was able to draw the correct insight quickly.
At another point, I interpreted a graph and explained the insight, which she rephrased to confirm her understanding. I asked for a minute to double-check my assumptions and requested that she repeat the original question. I then repeat my answer and said I am convinced this is the case. She said, we were actually looking into that issue. And we move on to the next question which was focused on the issue I've identified.

In the math section:

I correctly explained the calculation method (e.g., revenue × retention rate) and applied it to the first year. She asked me not to adjust the first year, so I recalculated for the second year but mistakenly forgot to do so for the third year.
When she asked if I was missing something, I started brainstorming and she hinted we should include retention again. I initially questioned "But, why though" then I quickly aknwoledged and said " yes, yes, yes, you are right, my mistakes". Both interviewers smiled and nod enthusiastically, And the one questioning me said, you had the right logic.

Looking back, I’m worried I may have come across as uncoachable — even though I was genuinely engaged in the case and simply thinking out loud. I am also afraid that I came across as non-being polished enough, which was a big deal when I was working in London.

Do you think this could be a deal-breaker? Especially considering that I’m interviewing in a country where people tend to avoid confrontation, I’m concerned about the impression I left.

Any honest advice or perspective would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Hi there,

Honestly, from what you describe, it doesn’t sound like you “bombed” the interview at all: It sounds like a very typical case performance. Everything you mentioned (asking for clarification, checking logic, adjusting after feedback) actually reflects structured thinking and self-awareness, not weakness.

What interviewers look for is how you handle uncertainty and course-correct when needed, and from what you describe, you did exactly that. Saying “yes, you’re right, my mistake” and recovering calmly is a positive signal. It shows you’re receptive, coachable, and not defensive. If anything, the smiles and nods you noticed suggest they appreciated your openness.

Missing a small step in math or momentarily questioning an assumption isn’t a deal-breaker; almost everyone has those moments. What matters more is composure and clarity.

For next time, focus less on being “perfectly polished” and more on maintaining calm confidence. Interviewers don’t expect flawless answers; they expect professionalism and adaptability. So no, this isn’t likely to be a deal-breaker. Reflect on it, learn from it, but don’t over-interpret. Even strong candidates walk out of good interviews thinking they failed.

Best of luck!