Interviews can be nerve-wracking, even for the most prepared candidates. A slip of the tongue, a missed cue, or a technical hiccup can feel like the end of the world—but it’s not. As a staffing company, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to remind you: interview mistakes happen, and they’re often recoverable. In fact, how you handle a mistake can say more about your character than the mistake itself.
Common Interview Mistakes—and What to Do About Them
1. Showing Up Late
What Went Wrong: Life happens—traffic, time zone mix-ups, or last-minute emergencies can cause delays.
How to Handle It: Call or email as soon as you know you’ll be late. Apologize sincerely, take ownership, and avoid making excuses. If you still get the interview, thank them for their time and keep your energy positive.
“I want to sincerely apologize for being late. I respect your time and appreciate the opportunity to speak with you today.”
2. Blanking on a Question
What Went Wrong: You’re asked something you didn’t expect—and your mind goes blank.
How to Handle It: Don’t panic. Ask for a moment to collect your thoughts. It’s perfectly okay to say, “That’s a great question—let me take a second to think about it.” This shows composure under pressure.
If you come up with a better answer later in the interview, circle back:
“I’ve been thinking more about your earlier question, and I’d like to add…”
3. Speaking Negatively About Past Employers
What Went Wrong: You may be trying to explain a tough situation, but it comes off as bitter or unprofessional.
How to Handle It: If you catch yourself going negative, pivot quickly. Focus on what you learned or how you grew. Employers value resilience and professionalism.
Instead of “My last boss was terrible,” try:
“I learned a lot about communication and leadership, and I’m looking forward to a healthier work culture.”
4. Technical Issues in Virtual Interviews
What Went Wrong: Your audio cuts out, the video freezes, or you’re stuck logging in.
How to Handle It: Have a backup plan—a phone number to call, or a pre-written message ready to send. After resolving the issue, briefly acknowledge the glitch and move on confidently.
“Thanks for your patience—technology isn’t always on our side, but I’m glad we could reconnect.”
5. Rambling or Losing Focus
What Went Wrong: Nerves lead you down a tangent. You talk too much, or lose sight of the question.
How to Handle It: It’s okay to pause and say, “Let me refocus.” Practice active listening and structure your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to stay on track.
How to Follow Up After a Flawed Interview
If the interview didn’t go as planned, don’t write it off. A well-crafted thank-you email can help repair a less-than-perfect impression.
Tips:
“Thank you again for the opportunity to speak with you today. I wanted to elaborate on my experience with [X], as I feel it directly supports your goals with [Y]...”
Final Thoughts
Interview mistakes don’t define your candidacy—your response does. Recruiters and hiring managers aren’t looking for perfection; they’re looking for people who are authentic, resilient, and ready to grow. If you trip up, treat it as a chance to show grace under pressure.
At Marchon Partners, we help candidates navigate the interview process from start to finish—including those “oops” moments. If you're preparing for interviews or recovering from a tough one, we’re here to help you move forward.