I don't like the terminology 'fail'. It implies a mental model like an examination, where there's a clear link from effort, to performance, to reward. A job in

I don't like the terminology 'fail'. It implies a mental model like an examination, where there's a clear link from effort, to performance, to reward. A job interview is more like a date. It's two parties with a limited amount of time trying to gauge if they will be compatible. And, like a date, you shouldn't feel personally deficient if you end up being a poor fit. You should be aware that the other party may already have someone in the sidelines because, if you're popular, so may you. If the other party makes you jump through hoops you find silly, maybe that just means you're a bad fit, at which point you should feel confident to withdraw as an equal participant. If you pretend you're a better fit than you are, it won't work in the long run. Crucially, you also shouldn't feel you're owed a reward just for being a good catch. If you are that good, it won't matter.