The interview process has many common-sense components: arriving on time, dressing professionally, being polite and pleasant, etc. These components are extremely important in the interviewer’s eyes. Individuals who arrive late, dress inappropriately, or behave rudely are less likely to be hired.
Even when you try to do everything properly, many factors can mess things up; traffic may cause you to be late, or a spill could ruin your shirt. No matter how hard you try, some situations are unavoidable.
If you are faced with any of these unfortunate circumstances, one question remains: Can you turn a bad interview around?
In short, yes. It requires using your wits and skills, but it is possible. Maintain a positive attitude and follow the guidelines provided below.
The Golden Rule
The golden rule for managing such situations is, “Never lose hope.” Things can and will go wrong, but that doesn’t mean the end of the world.
The worst mistake many people make is giving up too easily. If something goes wrong, they think the interview is ruined. If they are running late, they may not show up for the interview at all. If they decide to go through with the interview after a mishap, they may lose their confidence and think there is no chance they will get hired for the position.
You should never make that mistake. Ask yourself, “What is the worst thing that could happen?” Is it that you get rejected? Trying and getting rejected is better than not trying at all. As long as you try, there is always a chance for success. Don’t make excuses; instead, politely explain that the incident in question does not reflect you as a person or employee, and that such situations are rare.
Take Precautions
The best way to fix a mistake is to avoid making it in the first place. Some mistakes are minor and won’t affect the final decision, but some mistakes—such as arriving late —are considered unforgivable when attending an interview.
Let’s say you were the one giving the interview. Would you hire someone if they couldn’t show up on time for the interview? Would you trust them to be on time for the job? No, you would not. You may have a legitimate excuse, but from the interviewer’s point of view, an excuse is just an excuse.
If you anticipate being late, it’s best to call and inform the company. Tell them when you will be arriving and provide a reason for why you are going to be late. If the reason is a traffic accident, the interviewer may sympathize with you and still give you a fair chance. If you know you will be commuting to the interview during rush hour, make sure to give yourself plenty of time.
Gather Your Thoughts
When people get nervous, they tend to ramble on about topics that are not relevant. All of your answers in an interview should relate to the job and be concise. If you find yourself in a situation where you are beginning to feel nervous or realize you are going off-topic, then take a break. Stop talking, take a deep breath, and relax; this strategy will help you avoid mumbling and allow time to calm down and focus. Once you have gathered your thoughts, continue the discussion and answer the questions in the best way possible.
Do Not Be Afraid to Ask Questions
You should never be afraid to ask questions. For example, the interviewer may ask you a question you don’t understand. In that case, ask the interviewer to repeat the question or explain the question to you. To answer all the questions in the best way possible, you must fully comprehend what the interviewer is asking.
An interview is essentially a professional conversation between two people, where you are an active participant. Questions are not prohibited! Asking questions will show your confidence, and the interviewer will see that you are actively listening and engaged in the conversation.
Use Your Wits and Communication Skills
Interviews can be stressful and push your mind to the edge, and many things can go wrong that are beyond your control. What can you do in these situations?
Relax. If something does go wrong, do not overthink it and waste time worrying about what may happen. Take a deep breath and use your problem-solving skills. If you are getting dressed and spill coffee on your shirt but do not have a replacement, use a tie or a blazer to cover it up. If your immediate response in such situations is negative, you will be taking time away from finding a solution and preparing for the interview.
Your communication skills will do the rest. If something goes wrong, explain it to the interviewer. Communication is essential in any job, and he or she will respect your honesty and openness.
If you need help preparing for your next interview or are interested in upgrading your technical skills to better market yourself for employment in the IT field, please feel free to contact us. We provide intense Microsoft, Citrix, VMware, Cisco, Linux, and Red Hat courses. Our IT College is in Mississauga near Toronto, Milton, Hamilton, Oakville, and Brampton, and offers IT courses to students looking to change their careers or improve their professional skills.
If you need help preparing for an upcoming interview or are interested in upgrading your technical skills to increase your marketability in the IT field, please don’t hesitate to contact us. NetSoft College of Technology is one of the best IT Colleges in Mississauga near Toronto, Milton, Hamilton, Oakville, and Brampton. We offer Microsoft, Citrix, VMware, Cisco, Linux, and Red Hat certification courses.