“Did I just say that out loud?!” you scream in your mind. This is a moment that you dread in a social setting, but it is even more calamitous when it happens during a job interview. Whether you used an embarrassing word by mistake, used an entirely incorrect word for a simple issue, or have nothing to say at all, you can instantly recognize the moment when an interview begins to take the proverbial “nose dive”.

The focus of this article is the redemption of that plummeting interview. After all, many people wonder if they can possibly save an interview after making an inappropriate comment or simply making a fool of themselves in some other way.

The answer is that you can redeem the interview, but only if you own up to the mistake in the first place. For instance, let’s say that your interviewer asks you a question about your former boss or employer. Let’s also say that you have been getting more and more comfortable with this interviewer as the time passes. When they ask this question about the former job, why you left, etc., you may inadvertently say something wildly inappropriate.

For our example, we’ll say that you roll your eyes and say “because the guy was a total idiot!” Now, that is a huge mistake, and you probably realize it even before you finish saying the sentence. Can you save this situation? Yes…but it means you need to admit the mistake and then clarify in a far less emotional manner. For example, “Sorry…so, sorry! That was a totally irresponsible comment! What I should say is that I found my experience there to be frustrating. I don’t feel that my opinion is an accurate description of the company or even my former manager, but I do feel justified about leaving and have no regrets over the choice.”

That is the best you can do when such a thing slips out, but a responsible reaction to an irresponsible comment does demonstrate that you are mature enough to own up to mistakes and then correct the situation. THAT leaves a very favorable impression.

Of course, if you feel that the interview is plummeting because it is going nowhere, you can take control of the situation. Remember that any professional interview is a two-way street and that you have the right to ask questions too. Show an interest in the company, have some valuable questions in mind before you enter the interview, and then be prepared to use them if things take a turn for the worst!