Have you ever been in a job interview that seemed to be going off the rails? Maybe you butchered an answer. Maybe you got emotional or too personal. Maybe you did something like talk in circles, play air guitar, or ask a question that you immediately regretted asking. Bad moments happen in interviews. But a bad moment doesn’t have to mean a lost opportunity. You just need to find some ways to adapt.
Use Some Energy
If you’re in a tough spot, try expelling some energy. Consider putting your hands on the arms of your chair and lift yourself slightly. The release of physical energy when you lift yourself from your chair will help release endorphins and calm your nerves. To the person on the other side of the conversation, it will simply look like you’re shifting in your chair; getting more comfortable. For you, however, it will be your way to calm down and reengage.
Drink Some Water
When you arrive for an interview, you’ll often be asked if you’d like some water. You should always answer “Yes” to that offer. Here’s why: Drinking water does more than hydrate you. It calms your nerves. It buys you time. It fills the silence. If you have a lump in your throat, take a drink. If you feel like you need a restart to your answer, take a drink. If you can’t seem to focus, take a drink of water. Of course, this isn’t a sure thing. If you take a drink after every question or overplay your hand on this tactic, it will become pretty transparent. So use this tactic sparingly. But when you’re in a jam, a small sip of water could do the trick.
Pause
Often times in interviews, things go off the rails because people tend to feel pressure to be perfect. This pressure causes them to answer too quickly and try to not let on that they're rattled. But sometimes a five second pause before answering can be a tremendous help. It’s okay to let the interviewer see that you’re thinking through your answer.
Interviews can be stressful, and even the most seasoned people can find themselves getting rattled or thrown off by a curveball question or an unexpected distraction. The more you can use some practical tricks to keeping yourself calm and engaged, the more you’ll be able to present yourself well.