Whenever you’re in a job interview, it’s important not to worry too much about how it’s going and instead focus on being engaged and answering the questions appropriately. With that, you make sure that your concentrate is in the right place.

This is not to say that you should ignore signals that you’re on the wrong track, but you just need to make sure that you keep your focus on what is next instead of worrying about a lost shot. For example, if your answer to one question goes completely wrong, just take it in astride and move on. Make a mental note to get to the same point later and clarify it. This is a much better approach than dwelling on one point for long, trying to correct yourself and often, which typically makes things even worse.

In fact, it may even be better if you try not to analyse what is going on the spot. Under the interview pressure, a simple negative reaction can be blown out of proportion and cost you the job if you get sidetracked.

In all cases, keep the following points in mind.

Being tested?

Different hiring managers have different interviewing styles. One may be welcoming and trying to sell you the job and the company, and another may be playing cold and distant to test you and see how you handle pressure. Whatever the circumstances, it’s important to keep your composure and avoid walking into a trap. Deal with the questions and the interviewers’ feedback in a positive way and don’t feel you have to come with a conclusion about whether the interviewer likes you or not while you’re still in the process of introducing yourself and making an impression.

It’s just not you

Some interview tension may have nothing to do with you. It can be a result of a conflict among your interviewers or anything else. So don’t take it personally. In addition, remember hiring can be stressful for hiring managers themselves. In addition to everything they need to do in their daily work routine, they squeeze in applicant screening, interviews, meeting with other decision makers, etc. This stress may be seen by job candidates who wonder about its source and if it’s a reaction to how their interviews are going. Although it’s a good idea to be sensitive to any and all feedback — verbal or non-verbal — during your interview, don’t let a hiring manager who appears less than excited to see you dampen your own enthusiasm for the job because that is what counts.

Damage control

In some cases, it may be clear without an in-depth analysis that your efforts through the interview are going completely the wrong way. In this case, you may want to switch to a damage-control mode. When this is the case, you need to be honest that you’re just trying to salvage the interview as much as you can. The best way is to just admit what went wrong. For example, if you have put your current employer in a negative light, and you could see that the interviewer wasn’t impressed, admit it. You can say something like, “I take that back.” And continue on a more appropriate tone. When you do that, you still may not be able to take it back, but it least you make it clear that that is not you. Employers may be willing to give you credit for trying and excuse you for being under the interview pressure.

Don’t quit

Regardless to how you feel about the direction of the interview, don’t quit before it ends. Deciding just to excuse yourself and leave can be the worst choice you make at this point. Not only it also disrespectful, but it is something that the employer will always remember you for it, and it can ruin any future opportunities with this company. If you conclude that you’re not interested in the job or that the interviewers are not interested in you, just navigate the rest of the process with grace. With that, you’re not limiting your own chances, and proving that even if you won’t land the job, you’re still able to handle the situation appropriately.

Rania Oteify, a former Gulf News Business Features Editor, is a Seattle-based editor.