Can you turn a poor interview around?

Everyone has experienced a less-than-ideal job interview at some point in their career. The nerves, the unexpected questions, the feeling that you just didn’t make the right impression— all of these can contribute to an interview that leaves you feeling deflated.

This week at Career Recruiters Inc., we're sharing tips on how to recover when an interview isn't going well and how you can turn things around.

How to regain composure and confidence

A tough question can shake your confidence, but it’s important to regain your composure quickly. Remind yourself that you are in the interview because you are a qualified candidate.?

Take a deep breath and maintain eye contact. Your body language can have a significant impact on how you feel and how you are perceived. Mentally remind yourself of your strengths and achievements. This can help you exude confidence, even if you’re feeling uncertain.

Connect with your interviewer

Building a connection with your interviewer can leave a lasting positive impression. Try to find common ground or shared interests during the conversation. Being personable and showing genuine interest in the role and company can help the interviewer remember you positively. Even if some answers were off, a positive connection can make you more notable to the interviewer.

You won’t have perfect answers for every question

The first step to recovering from a poor interview is accepting that perfection is not the goal. Even with enough preparation, some questions can catch you off guard and this is a natural part of the interview process. Rather than dwelling on these moments, focus your efforts on answering the next question.? Interviewers are often more interested in how you handle difficult questions than in whether you have all the right answers.

When faced with a tough question, take a deep breath and give yourself a moment to think. It’s okay to say, “That’s a great question, let me take a moment to consider it.” This shows that you are thoughtful and composed under pressure.

READ: How to answer tough interview questions

Prepare key stories that can help with spontaneous questions

One of the biggest challenges in an interview is handling spontaneous questions. These questions test your ability to think on your feet. If you find yourself floundering, try to relate the question to your past experiences or skills.?

Think of a couple of key experiences from your professional life that highlight your skills, accomplishments and how you've handled challenges. Make sure these stories cover a range of scenarios, such as problem-solving, leadership, taking initiative and overcoming challenges.

Get up to speed for the second interview

If you have a second interview lined up, use it as an opportunity to address any shortcomings from the first one. Reflect on the questions that stumped you and do some research or practice to prepare better answers. This proactive approach shows that you are committed to self-improvement and can learn from past experiences.

Additionally, consider seeking feedback from the interviewer if possible. This can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and demonstrate your willingness to grow.

Maximize your follow up

A thoughtful follow-up can go a long way in recovering from a less-than-perfect interview. Send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity to interview. This is also a chance to briefly address any questions you felt you didn’t answer well.?

You might say something like,? “Upon further reflection, I realized I could have better highlighted my experience with [relevant skill or topic].” This not only clarifies your qualifications but also shows that you are reflective and proactive

A poor job interview performance can be disheartening, but it doesn’t have to derail your job hunt. By reflecting on your performance and improving your interview skills, you can turn a less-than-perfect interview into a stepping stone toward your next great opportunity.