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When To Say 'Sorry' During An Interview




Preparing for a job interview isn’t as easy as ABC. You practice mock interview rounds with your closed pals at home or rehearse some prewritten common answers when you get to know the Big Day is at the threshold.

 

Sometimes over preparing for it leads to a robotic conversation while under preparation would turn you into a fool. It’s quite difficult to balance. As the time is steadily approaching, your mind is occupied with “what if’s” and lots of stress. 

 

What if I’d be late for the interview?

What if I can’t provide desirable answers?

What if I miss the alarm sound and sleep for the whole day and never get a job?

 

An interview is a session of evaluation to analyze personality traits, readiness, eagerness for the offered position, and above all the required skills needed in that individual. From entering to the premises on time to depart from the place with an air of affirmation – all depends on the performance of the interviewee. 

 

To err is human”- how many of us haven’t heard of it and honestly to some extent we are being subjected under some circumstances. In the back end of interviewee stress, tension, nervousness plays their parts and, in the foreground, we consciously show confidence, boldness, and cool-headedness.

 

Consequently, during an interview, it is quite probable to misspeak, or utter some negative comments unknowingly or even be unable to attend the interview for some tough situation. In these conditions, it is best to say ‘Sorry’, as apologizing wouldn’t make you small but shows you are responsible enough to have some understandings. The recruiter company may take it onboard or may offer you a second chance to recreate the impression. 

 

We say sorry when

  • Come up with wrong clarifications
  • Put into some negative words while explaining something
  • Unable to appear at the specified time
  • Fail to attend the interview

 

In those cases what should we do?

Should we beg forgiveness immediately or should we manage the situation by saying something else?

 

Let’s see,

 

Upon delivering an off-target reply:

 

Within the first few minutes of the interview round, many people form an impression either by giving smart answers or by professional appearance. But there are chances to give a rambling reply when you are confused about the question or you have no idea of what to say in response.

 

For instance; 

My biggest weakness – I am a perfectionist’

You can’t fool an interviewer. Try to give some relevant answers which are known as weaknesses which wouldn’t affect your job profile and if possible, add some solution with this, such as; ‘My weakness is I have poor long-term memory, thus I prefer carrying a notepad with me especially when I’m at the workplace.’

‘I don’t know’

This is the right approach on rare occasions. Even if you don’t know the answer it would be better to say ‘This is an interesting question, I need to research on this matter’ or ‘I will get back to you shortly with the answer’.

 

Pessimistic Approach:

During viva voce, the interviewer may ask about your previous job profile and the reason behind leaving. In that case, if you counter with‘My boss was horrible’– that not only reflects your disrespectful behavior but also decreases the chance of selection.

No, I don’t have any question’.

 

This statement shows a lack of interest in the organization. Instead, try asking some open-ended questions, ‘I want to know more about your renowned organization’ or ‘What is the employee policy and guidelines?’ or ‘Can you share day-to-day responsibilities for this position?’ etc. 

 

Unable to appear at specified time

According to George Bernard Shaw “Better never than late”. But what could you do if some unforeseen situations will arise on that day! Instead of regretting and questioning your fate, it would be better to let your company’s HR know about it, and saying SORRY is imperative here. 

 

But don’t overdo it. “Please.....please....I’m extremely sorry...it would never happen...please” this not only reflects your lack of confidence and indecisive nature but also makes your interviewer uncomfortable. You apologize and ask if it is possible to conduct at a late hour or request to reschedule it. This shows your respectful attitude towards them as you value their time. 

 

Fail to attend the interview

If you encounter a tough condition that requires you to cancel the interview session on that particular day, approach in a professional way. You can send an email duly mentioning the reason behind the cancellation with an apology note and a request for rearrangement. If you’re fortunate enough to get another date, think that your sorry is accepted and prove you are adaptable in the second opportunity by attending on time and with a positive response.

 

Other than the above-mentioned circumstances, it is needless to say ‘sorry’ unless you spilled coffee over your interviewer. Don’t say sorry for being fresher or have little industry experience – you need not draw their attention to your weak points. Be prepared and composed through the situation like a professional person could save your interview – and a window of opportunity to be employed.