How to save a bad interview

How do you know you're in a dud interview?
Last week I gave some examples that even the most optimistic job seeker couldn't miss: Interviewers calling you by the wrong name, using the wrong r & eacute;sum & eacute;, taking phone calls during your meeting.
Without diplomatic intervention by the job seeker, it's difficult to imagine these situations turning into job offers.
Even with such intervention, the offer can be a long shot. And yet, for most job seekers, interviews are a scarce commodity. So, it's worth the effort of diplomacy for the chance to discuss potential employment.
Diplomacy can turn a disorganized or inattentive interviewer into an ally.
What if the interviewer is attentive but is using a bad process?
Here are common interview problems you may have encountered:
UThe interviewer asks all questions from a clipboard, presumably to ensure that every candidate is treated fairly.
UThe interviewer doesn't explain the job well enough for you to put your answers into context.
UThe interviewer does nothing BUT explain the job, using up all the interview time to do so.
UThe interviewer chats and chats about nonwork topics in an effort to get to know you, but provides little structure for asking or answering questions related to the job.
This list could go on and on. We all know someone who has endured at least one bad interview, where the process was seemingly designed not to hire anyone. And yet employers really do want to hire the right person for the job. What's a candidate to do?
If it's a disaster
The following steps will help you rescue at least a few of your bad interviews:
UResearch the position and the company in advance. If you understand the job and its role in the company, you will be better prepared to steer the conversation and to provide answers in context.
UGet details about the interview in advance. When you schedule the interview, ask who will be in the meeting and how long the interview will be. Other good questions include: How many candidates are being interviewed? When is the company hoping to hire? Will second interviews be scheduled?
UBefore the interview, decide what you want the interviewer to know about you. Using your knowledge of the job and company, review your own skills and strengths to find two or three key things the interviewer will want to know to hire you. For example, if the job requires customer service and you are very good at handling difficult situations, plan to make that one of your key messages.
UAnswer every question with one of your key messages. If the interviewer asks a boilerplate question such as "tell me about yourself," use the opportunity to emphasize your skills as they relate to the job. For example, "I have six years in customer service at both retail and service companies and I am especially good at resolving difficult situations."
USteer the conversation. If the interviewer isn't asking you questions related to your skills, you need to get the discussion back on track. Otherwise, the interviewer will not learn anything about you except that you can sit still for an hour. Try this: "I really appreciate all the background you're giving me about the product. I'd like to tell you a couple of my strengths as they relate to what I've learned so far in our interview. I have six years in customer service. ..."
UAsk for the job. No matter how disastrous you think the interview has been, remember that the interviewer might have a different impression. When it's time to go, shake hands and say, "I've enjoyed our time together and I believe I would do a good job for you. I'd like to work here. When will you be ready for the next step in this process?"
What if the interview has been undeniably awful and you both know it?
Assuming you would like to work there and can do the job, it might be worth the risk to acknowledge that things didn't go well. Without assigning blame, explain how you're feeling and ask for another chance.
And if that doesn't work? Leave with your head held high and your shoulders squared. You gave it a good shot.
XAmy Lindgren, the owner of a career-consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn., can be reached at alindgren@pioneerpress.com.