How do you recover if your interview story isn't received as expected?

1 Stay Composed

Maintaining your composure is crucial when an interview story doesn't land as expected. It's natural to feel a bit unsettled, but remember that your reaction can speak volumes about your professional demeanor. Take a deep breath and maintain eye contact to show confidence. Use this moment to pivot gracefully, perhaps by asking the interviewer a question to gauge their reaction or by subtly shifting the focus to another topic that might resonate better. This demonstrates your ability to handle unexpected situations calmly.

2 Listen Carefully

If your story isn't received well, pay close attention to the interviewer's verbal and non-verbal cues. They might provide valuable feedback without explicitly stating it. Look for signs like a lack of engagement or questions that suggest they're seeking clarification. This feedback is a golden opportunity for you to address any concerns they may have or to clarify points that may have been misunderstood. By being attentive, you show that you value their perspective and are willing to engage in a two-way conversation.

3 Clarify Intent

Sometimes, a story may not be received as expected because the point wasn't clear or the relevance to the interview question was lost. If you sense confusion or disinterest, don't be afraid to clarify your intent. Briefly restate the key takeaway of your story in a way that directly ties back to the job role or the question asked. This shows that you're focused on providing value and ensures that the interviewer understands the significance of what you've shared.

4 Adapt Quickly

The ability to adapt quickly is an asset, especially in unexpected interview situations. If your story falls flat, consider quickly transitioning to another example that might be more effective. Be prepared with a mental list of alternative stories or points that you can use to illustrate your skills and experiences. This not only helps you recover from a misstep but also showcases your flexibility and preparedness, which are attractive qualities in any potential employee.

5 Offer Insight

Offering additional insight into your story can help salvage the situation. If the initial story didn't resonate, expand on it by providing more context or highlighting different aspects that might be more relevant to the interviewer's needs. This could involve discussing the outcomes of the situation you described or reflecting on what you learned from the experience. By adding depth to your story, you can turn a potential negative into an opportunity to demonstrate your analytical skills and ability to reflect on past experiences.

6 Engage the Interviewer

Engaging the interviewer directly can help redirect the conversation and recover from an interview story that wasn't well-received. Ask for their thoughts on the topic or if they've encountered similar situations. This not only shifts the focus from the story itself but also encourages a dialogue that can lead to a more natural and interactive discussion. By involving the interviewer, you create a collaborative atmosphere and show that you're interested in their perspective, which can help build rapport and leave a positive impression.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?