If you are not sure that the interviewer has understood correctly what you said, you can always rephrase your answer. You can thus re-direct the conversation, should it have taken a wrong turn. When answering questions, take your time. It is better to know what you want to say rather than just fire off a quick answer in order to avoid a silence. According to the business2community.com website, you won’t lose any points for a short pause before answering.
Steer the interview in the right direction
If you sense the person interviewing you is not really interested and even looks bored, try asking them a question about the company and their role in it. People like to talk about themselves and the conversation may become more lively. The interviewer is then more likely to focus on your answers and remember you. In the event you feel the questions aren’t allowing you to say enough about your special expertise and experience, don’t be afraid to intervene and say that you would like to explain a certain project or task from your past employment in more detail. Providing you don’t sound too pushy, this is a great way to get the opportunity to talk about your distinctive and relevant experience.
What to do after an interview has gone wrong
Send a thank you e-mail even if the interview did not go well. You can admit it was not the smoothest interview you have ever had and clarify what the possible reasons might have been. You can also add something you didn’t mention during the interview. Such honesty may impress the recipient and they might be inclined to give you another chance. If the reason for your poor performance is a genuine and personal one, you could ask for another appointment. If you really feel the need to ask for this, be sure to do so over the phone since it is a rather unusual request. But it may earn you the chance to make a better impression.
Find inspiration for your next interviews in How to use body language at a job interview.
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