We’ve all been there: the interviewer asks you a question and you find yourself in the middle of saying something ridiculous. For many of us, this has too often proven to be something that sends us down the path of a terrible interview.
But it doesn’t have to be that way!
Remember, interviewers don’t expect you to be perfect. They expect you to be human, with a particular set of qualifications. So when you find yourself giving a pointless or inappropriate answer to a question, simply stop, smile, and retool. Say something like, “I’m so sorry. I got that a bit tangled in my brain. Please allow me to start over. Will you kindly repeat the question?” You can give a little rueful chuckle if that’s natural too you—don’t force it, of course, but natural laughter is a good way to diffuse tension, especially your own.
As you proceed in the interview, remind yourself to slow down. Listen as thoroughly as you can to the questions, and whenever possible, tell a story that illustrates your answer. Take a breath or two before you start your answer so you feel clearer about the direction you’re going with it.
Ask for definitions of terms you don’t know. Sometimes employers forget that they’re using a proprietary name for something, or their tech is older or newer than what candidates are familiar with. If you have a good sense of what the term means, you can talk about how you’ve used a comparable piece of software or worked with a similar audience.
And if you find yourself getting really nervous and find you can’t answer a question, don’t panic. Ask if you can return to the question later. Taking the pressure off yourself will relax your brain enough that it will probably supply you with something.
Finally, you can always tell them that you’re a bit nervous about the interview. It’s normal to feel that way, and sometimes just saying it out loud will relax both you and your interviewers so you can demonstrate why you’re such a great fit for the role.
