There’s no way around it: interviews can be stressful. We’ve all been there—sweaty palms, dry mouth, and a pit in your stomach that just keeps getting bigger. The nerves are already bad enough, but when you start to feel like the interview is spiraling out of control, it can feel like you’re stuck in a slow-motion train wreck. The good news? You’re not alone, and it doesn’t have to end in disaster.
Here’s a blunt truth: interviews rarely go perfectly. Even if you’ve prepared for days, studied the company, rehearsed your answers, and ironed your best shirt, things can still go sideways. Maybe you stumble over your words, or maybe the interviewer just seems uninterested. Either way, what matters most is how you handle it. Interviews are as much about how you respond to the unexpected as they are about your qualifications. So, if you find yourself thinking, “This interview is going badly,” don’t panic. Here’s what you can do to get back on track.
1. Don’t Freak Out—Stay Calm and Breathe
This might seem obvious, but when you start feeling like you’re bombing an interview, your body’s natural reaction is panic. You might start speaking faster, fumbling your words, or getting flustered. That’s the worst thing you can do.
Stop for a second. Take a deep breath—literally. This simple action helps to reset your mind. Don’t think about the bad answers you’ve given so far. Dwelling on your mistakes will only distract you and make things worse. Instead, focus on staying present and engaged.
Here’s the blunt reality: most interviewers aren’t expecting you to be perfect. They’re looking for someone who can think on their feet and handle pressure. The moment you realize things aren’t going well is the moment you can decide to turn it around. Stay calm. Breathe. You’ve still got time to make a good impression.
2. Acknowledge the Awkwardness
Here’s something most people won’t tell you: sometimes, calling out the awkwardness of a situation can actually help. If you’ve completely lost your train of thought or messed up an answer, it’s okay to acknowledge it. You don’t have to pretend everything’s going great when it’s not. In fact, interviewers often appreciate honesty.
You could say something like, “I realize I got a bit off track there,” or “I’m sorry, I don’t think I answered that as clearly as I could have—can I take another shot at that?” This shows humility and self-awareness. Interviewers appreciate someone who can own up to their mistakes and correct them in real-time. It also gives you a chance to redeem yourself.
Just be careful not to do this too much. A little self-correction goes a long way, but you don’t want to come across as overly self-critical. It’s all about finding a balance.
3. Ask Clarifying Questions
If you’re struggling to answer a question, don’t just dive into an answer that feels wrong. Pause for a moment and ask a clarifying question. This not only buys you a bit of time to think but also shows the interviewer that you’re thoughtful about your responses.
For example, if the interviewer asks you a complex question that you don’t fully understand, you can say, “Could you clarify what you mean by that?” or “Can you provide a bit more context on that?” Interviewers won’t fault you for wanting more information. In fact, it shows that you’re analytical and want to fully understand the problem before offering a solution.
This tactic is also great if the interview starts to feel like a quiz or interrogation. Shifting the dynamic by asking questions makes the interview more conversational, which helps put both you and the interviewer at ease.
4. Take Your Time
This might sound counterintuitive, but sometimes the best thing you can do when things aren’t going well is to slow down. When you’re nervous, there’s a tendency to rush your answers or over-explain. Neither of those options will help you.
Take a moment before answering each question. A brief pause—just a couple of seconds—can make a world of difference. It allows you to collect your thoughts and give a clearer, more concise response. Plus, it gives you a chance to avoid saying something you’ll regret.
Interviewers don’t mind if you take a moment to think. In fact, they’ll appreciate it more than you blurting out a jumbled, half-baked response. It shows that you’re thoughtful and deliberate, qualities any employer values.
5. Find an Opportunity to Turn the Conversation Around
When you feel like things are going south, it’s easy to get stuck in a negative mindset. Instead of letting one bad answer lead to another, look for an opportunity to pivot the conversation toward something you’re more comfortable discussing.
For example, if you’re asked a question that you struggle with, but you know the interview will cover areas you’re more confident in, subtly steer the conversation in that direction. You might say, “While I don’t have a lot of experience with X, I’ve worked extensively on Y, which I believe would also be valuable for this role.” This way, you’re not dodging the question, but you’re also guiding the conversation toward your strengths.
Interviews are a two-way street, and you have more control over the conversation than you might realize. Don’t be afraid to take the reins.
6. Don’t Let One Bad Answer Derail the Whole Interview
One of the worst things you can do when an interview is going badly is to let one bad answer destroy your confidence for the rest of the conversation. Everyone messes up a question at some point—it’s how you recover that matters.
If you give a bad answer, forget about it. Seriously, just let it go. Dwelling on it will only distract you from the rest of the interview. Chances are, the interviewer isn’t fixating on it like you are. Focus on nailing the next question. Remember, the interviewer is looking at the bigger picture—your overall fit for the role—not one isolated moment.
7. Be Authentic—Even If It Feels Risky
Sometimes, interviews go badly because you’re not being yourself. Maybe you’re trying too hard to say what you think the interviewer wants to hear, or maybe you’re being overly formal and stiff. The truth is, most interviewers can sense when you’re being inauthentic, and it can make for an awkward interaction.
If you feel the interview going downhill, it might be time to loosen up and just be yourself. This doesn’t mean you should start telling jokes or oversharing personal stories, but letting your real personality come through can often save a sinking interview.
People hire people they like. If you can make a genuine connection with the interviewer, that can sometimes outweigh technical hiccups or less-than-perfect answers.
8. Ask for Feedback
This one might feel risky, but it can sometimes be the move that saves the day. If you sense the interview is going off the rails, don’t be afraid to ask for feedback. You could say something like, “I want to make sure I’m addressing your questions fully—is there anything specific you’re looking for in my responses that I haven’t covered yet?”
This shows a willingness to improve and demonstrates that you’re open to constructive criticism. Plus, it gives the interviewer a chance to clarify any concerns they might have. It’s also a good opportunity to adjust your approach mid-interview, if needed.
9. Stay Positive—Even If It Feels Forced
If you feel like the interview is going badly, it’s easy to slip into a negative mindset. You might start thinking things like, “I’m not going to get this job anyway,” or “I should just get this over with.” This kind of thinking will only make things worse.
Instead, force yourself to stay positive. Smile, keep your energy up, and act like you’re still in the game—because you are. Interviews are about more than just qualifications; they’re about attitude. If you stay positive, even in a tough interview, it shows resilience and optimism. Those are qualities any employer will appreciate.
10. Accept That Not Every Interview Will Go Perfectly—and That’s Okay
Let’s be real: sometimes, interviews just don’t go well, no matter what you do. Maybe the interviewer had a bad day. Maybe you didn’t click with the person on the other side of the desk. Maybe the role wasn’t the right fit for you in the first place.
Not every interview is going to be a home run, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Chalk it up as a learning experience and move on.
Even if an interview goes badly, it doesn’t mean all hope is lost. I’ve heard countless stories of people who thought they bombed an interview, only to get a call back offering them the job. You never really know how it went until you get that call. So, don’t assume the worst.
Final Thoughts: Own It
At the end of the day, interviews are tough, and it’s completely normal to have a few rough ones. But remember, a bad interview doesn’t define you. How you respond to a difficult situation says more about you than any single answer.
So, next time you’re in an interview that feels like it’s going off the rails, don’t panic. Stay calm, breathe, and focus on turning it around. And if all else fails, remember: it’s just one interview. You’ll have plenty more opportunities to shine.
You’ve got this!
