When Interviews Go Awry

If you can tell an interview is not going well, what should you do?

1. Do try to get it back on course. If your interviewer looks bored, for example, make yourself interesting! Tell a killer war story. Vary your cadence and volume. If your explanations aren’t landing well, clarify any muddled points. Ask engaging questions showing you researched this opportunity. If you finish strong, you still have a chance!
2. If you don’t have the exact on-point skill set they’re looking for, at a minimum show that you work hard, are reliable, and have a good track record. (Think of examples of each before the interview, and work them in your answers.) Managers always want someone who is positive and easy to work.
3. Follow up after the interview if you were able to establish a connection. Send a LinkedIn invite, or an article you’ve written relating to the job, helpful online resources, an invitation to speak at a professional event, etc. Stay in touch because you never know when the right opportunity will come up.

Do not think of interviews as a waste of time if you don’t land the job. You are meeting someone in an interesting industry, and that person is getting the chance to know you as well. Make it a positive experience regardless of whether you get the job or not.