Every job seeker plans for the best during an interview, but, everything does not always go as planned. What do you do when you feel you’re blowing up your chances during an interview? How can you salvage a failed or botched interview? If these are the questions running through your mind, this post on “how to save a botched interview” is for you.
Your wait is over; the interview you have been anticipating is finally here. Time to get that dream job! Then boom! Everything is going wrong. Not what you expected, you are having a less-than-stellar interview. Perhaps it was because you became extremely nervous, maybe it was tons of wrong answers or a bad dress, it could even be because you told a lie, or acted arrogantly. Now the interviewer is frowning and looking at your résumé. It’s now a case of a botched interview.
Statistics show that 71% of failed interview was because the candidate lied, 67% resulted from answering calls or text during the interview, 59%; acting arrogant or entitled, 52% showing lack of accountability and 51% swearing. However, sometimes poor performance is more subjective. Perhaps, the interviewer might have misunderstood what you said or you weren’t even prepared at all. What do you do now?
How to Save a Botched Interview
1. Stay Calm
At a point in your interview, it’s okay if you get nervous. Especially when you think you’ve flopped. But still, you have to stay calm. You should understand that interviewers put up a straight face and try to act tough just to know how well you can perform under pressure. Who knows, you might not be doing as bad as you think. Keep in mind that you might not be assessing the situation objectively, especially if you are nervous. So, be as calm and composed as you can.
2. Regain Your Confidence
Try your best to get back that confidence you had at the beginning. As said earlier on; an interviewer could put on a scary face or wear a frown to know how well you can perform under pressure. So, maintaining your poise could become a pass for you on that test; then ultimately return the interviewer to a more relaxed state.
Let me give you an instance, maybe you answered a question the interviewer asked wrongly or you didn’t answer it to the best of your ability. You can go back to the question and say it right this time around. Interviewers are human, don’t forget that. Hence, they’re aware that you can make mistakes. What will amaze them is when you flop but still come back stronger, this alone can make a huge difference in how the interviewer sees you and save your interview.
3. Focus on Your Strength
You can carefully redirect an interviewer’s questions to focus on your strengths. You shouldn’t be pushy or act like you are trying to dictate to the interviewer what to ask you. But if you’re already feeling like the interviewer isn’t selling your light, then chip in some of your achievements, strengths, and accomplishments so that the interviewers question now focuses on your aspect.
4. Be Careful With Your Answers
Take your time to give replies to the questions you’re asked. Once you feel the interview isn’t going as you hoped, try to slow the pace. Think before answering questions; many times, candidates feel the need to give quick answers to questions, my advice is to articulate properly before answering.
Here is a tip: “That is a great question Sir/Ma. Do you mind if I think about that for a few seconds?” With this, you have just gained the space and time you need to formulate the right answer.
5. Stand Up to a Mistake and Ride Along
If you feel you have given a wrong reply to a question, own up to your mistake. Acknowledge it and apologize. Then move on with the interview.
Tip: Do not repeat an apology
6. Follow Up
The end of an interview isn’t the end for you; Follow-up. After you leave the interview; you have a chance to follow-up with a thank-you note. Although, before you make the move to contact, ensure you’re not misreading the situation. Check the recruiter or the recruiting company or any contact you have to get feedback before you thank the interviewer. Following up after your interview may give you a better sense of how you performed.
More Post on Interviews
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How to Nail Interviews Using the Star Interview Technique
21 Must-Know Interview Etiquette for Fresh Graduate
Questions an Interviewer Cannot Ask and Why
10 Common Questions Interviewers Ask From CV +Answers
I hope this was helpful? Do you have comments or questions on how to save a botched interview? Let us know in the comment section For more information on jobs and employment; Visit fasthire.com.ng
