Anyone can experience shortcomings during an interview; some questions asked might change our demeanor on a situation. However, you need to keep your composure and recover from the negatives, to ensure positive results after the interview.

An interview is a two-way street; you need to be able to navigate it just as much as the interviewer. When an interview seems to be going poorly; it should not end your chances of securing the job. Nevertheless, use it as a window for managing missteps for the team that is interviewing you; this provides valuable insight. Sometimes you need to respond to a surprise question and face a blank moment or realize that you misspoke, take a moment, breathe and visualize how you can turn the interview around.

weakness interview

Step 1- If you’re blanking, repeat the question

Going blank happens, and asking the interviewer to repeat the question gives you some time that you can think about the response. It also serves in clarifying the question if you did not hear it correctly. Answer the question clearly and honestly, focusing on your experience and your skills that are relevant and pertains the job. Do not ramble while searching for the right words to use.

Step 2- Acknowledging the error

If you’ve misspoken, just acknowledge your mistake. You should stop and start over again. You can do this by stating that you realize you did not sound articulate at all, with some light appropriate humor, then answer the question once again. The human factor, often when being interviewed by teams that see so many candidates, will make you stand out as a refreshing person who is a good communicator and able to realize personal errors.

Step 3- In case you commit a gaffe, apologize immediately

Surprisingly, it happens that you forget or mispronounce the interviewer’s name. You may also forget a major point or mistake a critical statistic, it’s a frequent situation, so don’t worry. If the issue is glaring, apologize since acknowledgment alone won’t be enough.

Step 4- Getting feedback on your response

Getting feedback regarding your response turns the interview to your favor. In case the interviewer is looking at you in an odd manner, or frowning, check in. Ask questions to make a positive impression. Use this moment to ask whether the interviewer needs further details or information. If you have missed the point to the question, do the same. Remember an interview is your opportunity to shine and engage in a dialogue with your interviewers. If you see something going poorly, don’t let it slide.

Step 5- Ask questions

As an interviewee, avoid awkward silences during the interview by using prepared questions. You can do this if the interview seems to appear dull or is just running out of steam. At times your interviewer may be the manager of the company and not a seasonal interviewer, you should use some questions to steer the interview back on course if you notice some floundering. These questions show that you have conducted research before coming in for the interview, this redounds to your credit, increasing your chances of securing the job.

 

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Step 6- Managing body language

During the interview, control your body language and non-verbal communication skills. If you notice that you are gesturing too much, or your leg is ticking up and down, stop. Take a short deep breath and then continue without that behavior.

Step 7- Make the most out of your thank you note

Writing to your interviewer thanking them for taking their time to meet you is common courtesy. In a case of a dreadful interview, it is your last chance to make up for that first impression.
There are six key ways of dealing with a weak interview and turning the responses you provide to constructive one.

1. Showing maturity and professionalism.
2. Show your recruiters how you have gained and matured from your weaknesses and failures. Let the panel see you as a better person despite your shortcomings.
3. Do not act or pretend to be perfect.
4. When asked to give examples, do not give any that are related to the key aspects of the job.
5. Show your self-awareness, growth and development from your previous jobs
6. Avoid common mistakes during the interview.

Do not let your weaknesses hold you back, or make you lose the interview. You could learn how to build rapport and take control of an interview even though it seems difficult.

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