How do you stay calm and composed during a stressful interview, especially when faced with unexpected or challenging questions? Share a technique that you find helpful.

Question

Navigating the high-pressure landscape of job interviews requires composure and strategy. This article demystifies the art of maintaining calm amidst tense questioning, drawing on the wisdom of seasoned professionals. Discover expert-backed techniques to transform interview stress into a showcase of poise and confidence.

John Lattanzio · Answer

When I was transitioning from being an employee to starting my own photography business, I faced one of the most nerve-wracking interviews of my life. It was for a senior marketing role, and I knew this was my chance to gain the skills I needed to eventually market my own business. But halfway through the interview, the hiring manager threw me a curveball: "How would you handle a sudden budget cut for a campaign that's already in motion?"
For a moment, my mind went blank. But instead of panicking, I leaned on a technique I had practiced--pause and breathe. I took a deep breath, smiled, and said, "That's an interesting question. Let me think about that for a moment." This gave me time to gather my thoughts without rushing into an answer.
I then broke the question into smaller parts in my mind. First, I acknowledged the challenge: "Budget cuts can be tough, especially mid-campaign." Then, I shared a real example from my past experience where I had to pivot creatively due to limited resources. I explained how I had repurposed existing content and leveraged free tools to maintain campaign momentum. Finally, I tied it back to the role by emphasizing my ability to stay calm under pressure and think strategically.
The interviewer nodded approvingly, and the atmosphere shifted from tense to conversational. By staying composed and breaking down the question step by step, I not only answered effectively but also demonstrated problem-solving skills.
That experience taught me that unexpected questions are less about having the "perfect" answer and more about showing how you think on your feet. My advice? When faced with a challenging question, pause, breathe, and approach it methodically. Use phrases like "Let me think about that" to buy time and show thoughtfulness. If possible, relate your response to past experiences or transferable skills.
Ultimately, interviews are conversations--not interrogations--and staying calm allows your true abilities to shine through. That day, not only did I land the job, but I also gained the confidence to face future challenges with poise.

Benny Voncken · Answer

Just do your best
The Right MindsetWhen faced with unexpected or challenging questions during an interview, focus on doing your best. You are in this interview for a reason - your experience, qualifications, or educational background. As you face the challenges, take a deep breath and remind yourself that you deserve to be here. You can take time to answer and ask for clarification if needed.
Before the InterviewTo help you stay calm during moments like this, we need to go back to before the interview. It is during the preparation that we can start reducing the stress we might face while in the interview. Reading up on the company, the job, and all other relevant information will make you enter the room more confident. We can then focus on doing our best and try to let go of the outcome.
Managing the ProcessThe type of questions we will have to answer is beyond our control. But if we trust in ourselves and try to stay as calm as possible, we can tap into the knowledge we have and respond in the best way possible. Then we go from one question to the next. Even if you didn't feel good at answering the previous question, there's a new one waiting for you. Let go of that earlier one and keep going.
Embracing UncertaintyWhat helps is letting go of the outcome. Of course, you want to get the job. Otherwise, you wouldn't be in the interview. But whether you get it or not is not under your control. You might not get it for the silliest reason. Maybe they already have the perfect candidate and are interviewing more because they have to. Whatever it may be, it is beyond your influence. It is good practice for possible future interviews and maybe they have another job opportunity for you.
Putting It All TogetherThat's why it is best to focus on doing your best. This means that you might face a question you don't know the answer to. Now you know that you need to prepare more for the next interview. When we stop seeing not getting the job as a failure but as a moment to learn and grow, then the pressure is already limited. With this attitude, you will enter the interview more calmly and less stressed.
When faced with tough questions, take that deep breath and pause. Focus on what you know or ask for clarification. If you truly don't know something, explain how you would figure it out on the job. This shows your ability to adapt and learn - qualities often more valuable than having all the answers.

Derek Pankaew · Answer

I've done my fair share of high-pressure interviews and found one slightly unconventional approach that helps me stay calm: I call it the "Time Mastery" technique.
What is Time Mastery?It's basically a mini mental pause button. Right before I answer a tough question, I consciously picture myself "stretching" time for two or three seconds. That little gap allows me to organize my thoughts as if I had all the time in the world. Instead of blurting out a hasty response, I calmly take a breath, ground myself in the moment, and focus on the heart of the question.
Why it works:1. Physiologically, that pause counteracts the fight-or-flight rush by giving your brain a moment to recalibrate.2. Mentally, it frames even a curveball question as an opportunity to share a thoughtful perspective. Suddenly, you're not reacting out of panic—you're steering the conversation with intention.3. Practically, it feels invisible to the interviewer. A short, natural pause can come across as confidence, not hesitation.
I realize it sounds almost too simple, but it's surprisingly powerful. It's that brief window of "stillness" that keeps me from stumbling over unexpected challenges. Try it a few times—you might be amazed at how such a small mental shift can diffuse interview stress and help you deliver articulate, composed answers.

Christopher Bagg · Answer

As a professional athlete and coach, I'm well-versed in managing pressure. During races, unexpected challenges arise regularly, akin to tough interview questions. Channeling mental resilience is key. I draw from my experience at the Challenge Penticton, where staying calm amid race penalties allowed me to regain focus and perform at my best despite setbacks.
I employ a mental technique of viewing obstacles as external chatter, similar to an irritating training partner. Instead of letting fear dominate, I actively acknowledge it without letting it dictate my performance. This mindset is crucial not only for endurance sports but also in interviews when questions catch me off guard.
Developing a pre-race visualization routine improves clarity and purpose. Before a high-pressure event, such as a race or interview, I mentally rehearse my strategy. This method builds confidence, allowing me to weather any curveballs with a composed mindset. You can apply this by vividly picturing successful outcomes and your confident response to challenging questions.

Traci Pirri · Answer

In stressful interviews, staying calm and composed is crucial. I have over two decades of experience as a mental health professional and employ techniques from EMDR therapy which I've incorporated in my own practice. One effective strategy involves using grounding techniques; during an interview, I focus on my breathing and subtly engage my senses by feeling the texture of the table or noticing the scent of my surroundings. When faced with unexpected questions, I remind myself of the "STOP and THINK" method that I advise clients on. This involves pausing to take a deep breath and reassessing my emotions before responding. Whether I'm feeling anxious or caught off guard, this helps ensure that my response is thoughtful and composed, rather than impulsive. Another practical approach comes from recognizing your strengths. Before an interview, I take inventory of my experiences and skills, such as managing a team at my practice, Hope For The Journey, which equips me to handle unexpected challenges. Recalling past situations where I've thrived under pressure serves as a confidence booster.

Audrey Schoen · Answer

During stressful interviews, I draw on my experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist to maintain composure by employing a mental technique I call "mindful transitioning." I visualize moving from a busy mental space to a calm one, imagining each step as a distinct moment to re-center myself. This technique helps me shift focus smoothly between answering questions and maintaining a steady mental state.
An unexpected question in an interview is like navigating a sudden shift in a therapy session. I approach these moments by visualizing a "progress meter" similar to those I use in intensive therapy, which helps track emotional responses. I assess my internal state before responding, ensuring my reactions remain aligned with thoughtful engagement, rather than knee-jerk stress responses.
A technique that has served me well is setting financial "good, better, and best" markers in my business. I translated this concept to interview scenarios by preparing for different levels of complexity in questions. This practice ensures I feel grounded in my knowledge and can handle surprises without being overwhelmed, encouraging adaptability and confidence even when the conversation takes an unforeseen turn.

Anne Marie White · Answer

During stressful interviews, I rely on the mindfulness and emotion regulation techniques I've honed through my practice at Dream Big Counseling & Wellness. I focus on grounding myself by feeling my feet firmly planted on the floor, which helps bring me back to the moment and reduces anxiety. This technique is rooted in mindfulness, a skill I emphasize with clients because it anchors your awareness internally rather than on external stressors.
When confronted with challenging questions, I use cognitive restructuring-something I often teach in therapy. I quickly assess the question's core, reframing any negative perceptions I may initially have. This approach, derived from cognitive behavioral therapy, enables me to maintain composure by concentrating on logical responses over emotional reactions.
Before interviews, I remind myself of my extensive experience across various therapy settings. Reflecting on past successes, like facilitating difficult family therapy sessions, empowers me to view unforeseen questions as opportunities. This not only keeps me calm but also underscores my belief in the inner resilience that I strive to foster in my clients.

Bayu Prihandito · Answer

In order to stay calm during an interview, try to reframe it as a conversation instead of a test. When you go in thinking you're being judged or evaluated, it's easy to feel pressured and anxious. Shift your mindset to see it as a discussion between two professionals, where both of you are assessing if it's the right fit.
Instead of worrying about having the "perfect" answer, focus on engaging with your interviewer. Listen actively, ask thoughtful questions, and treat it as a back-and-forth exchange rather than a one-sided interrogation. For example, if they ask about your problem-solving skills, instead of just listing strengths, share a quick story and follow it up with, "How does your team usually approach challenges like this?" This keeps the conversation flowing and allows you to connect on a more natural level.
This approach helps you come across as confident, engaged, and genuinely interested in the role. The more comfortable you feel, the better your responses will be, and the more likely you are to leave a strong impression.

Vikrant Bhalodia · Answer

When faced with a tough interview question, one simple trick always helps: pause before responding. When I get a curveball question, I take a breath, collect my thoughts, and then answer.
This short pause helps in three ways:
It stops me from blurting out something unclear.It gives me a moment to structure my response.It shows confidence because thoughtful silence is better than rambling.
Once, I was asked about a failure I hadn't prepared for. Instead of panicking, I took a few seconds, picked an example, and framed it around what I learned. That small pause turned a stressful moment into a strong answer. Most people rush to fill silence, but using it well makes you look more composed and in control.

Robbert Bink · Answer

When it comes to high-pressure situations, like an unexpected interview question, I rely on the same principles I use in blockchain security and digital asset recovery—calm focus and methodical thinking. For me, a key technique is visualization. Before walking into an interview, I visualize myself tackling challenging questions the same way I approach recovering a complex crypto wallet. I imagine staying composed, breaking the problem into manageable parts, and addressing each systematically.
This process isn't just about preparing for what might happen—it's about creating a sense of control and clarity. By visualizing success and anticipating challenges, I can map out thoughtful responses ahead of time. It's a method that keeps me calm, focused, and ready to tackle anything thrown my way.

Tamar Blue · Answer

In a stressful interview setting, one technique I rely on is drawing from my experiences with group-based therapy sessions on MentalHappy. I remind myself of the importance of community support and connection, focusing on a calm and empathetic mindset. Group dynamics often involve navigating unexpected discussions, which has honed my ability to remain calm under pressure.
Additionally, I use a specific MentalHappy strategy—tracking health outcomes and deriving insights from user behavior. This approach helps me stay grounded by focusing on the data and actionable responses. During interviews, I apply this by concentrating on the interviewer's verbal and non-verbal cues to tailor my responses effectively.
Lastly, building a supportive network has played a crucial role in my career. When facing unexpected questions, I visualize drawing on the collective wisdom of mentors and peers who've supported me, especially reflecting on the advice and guidance from my time at Y Combinator. This collective mindset turns potential stress into a source of inspiration and strength. In stressful interview situations, I tap into my experience running MentalHappy to maintain composure. One technique I rely on is using the 4-7-8 breathing method, a grounding exercise that I often recommend for those experiencing anxiety during our support sessions. Practicing this breathing technique helps slow my heart rate and clear my mind, allowing me to focus and respond thoughtfully.
When faced with unexpected questions, I think back to the adaptability required in my role at MentalHappy, especially during high-stakes pitch meetings or Y Combinator presentations. I remind myself of past successes where I steered challenges by leveraging our platform's strength in data-driven insights to demonstrate value. This empowers me to approach surprises with confidence, knowing I've effectively handled similar situations before.
Lastly, I draw on the empathy and understanding necessary for working with diverse mental health needs. I view challenging questions as opportunities to learn and share insights from building MentalHappy into a trusted platform for thousands. This mindset helps me stay grounded and genuinely engaged throughout the interview.

Avigail Lev · Answer

During stressful interviews, I rely on techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to stay calm. One effective strategy I use is the 4-7-8 breathing technique. I inhale for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for eight. This slows my heart rate and helps anchor my focus, making sudden questions less intimidating.
I also employ guided imagery, picturing a favorite place like a peaceful beach, to ease anxiety during tense moments. Research shows that visualization reduces anxiety by shifting the brain's focus. This practice has helped many clients shift from stress to calm, and it's proven equally beneficial in my own experiences.
Finally, integrating Mindfulness is crucial. By staying present, I engage more dynamically with each question, avoiding over-thinking past interactions or future outcomes. Mindfulness not only centers me in interviews but also in sessions with clients where unexpected challenges arise regularly. This approach ensures that I am both calm and attentive, making composed, thoughtful responses more attainable.

David Zhang · Answer

Staying calm during a stressful interview takes preparation and the right mindset. I reframe the situation as a collaborative discussion instead of a high-stakes interrogation. This shift in perspective helps diminish anxiety and encourages a dialogue that allows both parties to understand each other's goals. Prior to the interview, I focus on thorough preparation-researching the organization’s priorities, anticipating potential questions, and rehearsing concise, impactful responses. If faced with an unexpected question, I take a brief pause to compose my thoughts rather than rushing into a response. This demonstrates confidence and ensures I deliver a well-considered answer. Ultimately, maintaining a composed demeanor reflects professionalism and helps turn challenges into opportunities to showcase expertise and adaptability.

Dave Brocious · Answer

Stressful interviews can feel daunting, but I rely on my experience in building strong teams and business relationships to stay grounded. Whenever I'm asked an unexpected question, I draw on the problem-solving skills honed over 30 years in strategy and sales management, especially during pivotal moments at Sky Point Crane. Each time you're faced with a tough query, think of it as another chance to forge meaningful connections, which in my experience, have always been more valuable than perfect, rehearsed responses.
For instance, when discussing complex projects with clients, I've learned that framing answers around customer-centric solutions, like those we develop at ClimaShield Industries, helps keep the conversation focused on shared goals. I remind myself that it's not just about the question but how it ties back to delivering value for both parties involved.
Embracing the challenge with this mindset has been key. During interviews, I focus on aligning my responses with the value that my experiences bring to the table, much like we do when designing unique crane solutions, which requires a balance of technical expertise and empathy for the customer's needs. This not only showcases my expertise but also transforms stress into a shared journey toward solving the issue at hand.

Amy Mayer · Answer

One tactic that has always worked is a combination of structure and flow. I establish a structure in my mind with possible questions I may face but allow for flow as I go off-script, so to speak. When someone asks me a question I did not prepare for, I do not give myself the power to panic (which won't help me or anyone else). I breathe through it. I deconstruct the question for clarity and respond in parts. It's grounding for me and in control while simultaneously showing others how I can be hopeful and collected amid chaos.

Dhari Alabdulhadi · Answer

Staying calm and composed during a stressful interview can impact our performance, especially when faced with unexpected or challenging questions. The practical technique for doing that is the "Pause and Breathe" method, which helps with better mind control and self-regulation.
When a difficult question is asked, the first step you need to take is to pause before responding. The silent moment at that time provides enough time to gather my thoughts and prevent any impulsive reaction caused by stress. This allows me to think more constructively.
The next step is deep breathing, which involves breathing slowly through my nose, holding it for a second and exhaling it gently from my mouth. It lowers heart rate and promotes mental clarity.
While breathing, I reframe the question and analyze what the interviewer is asking about and how I can correlate it with my experience and skills.
Once I'm ready to respond confidently, I demonstrate my problem-solving abilities and thought process.

Chris Hunter · Answer

One strategy I use to maintain my calm under pressure—especially when I feel like I'm being interrogated during an interview—is deep breathing. If someone asks me a tough question, I'll inhale slowly, hold it for a minute, exhale, and then respond. It grounds me and gives me that extra second to formulate my response. In addition, I have to remind myself that an interview is not an interrogation. It's a transaction where both sides must learn about each other for mutual benefits, so this eases my pressure and gives me the wherewithal to respond better.

Meghan Calhoun · Answer

In my experience as both a television host and in high-pressure sales roles, I've learned that staying calm during stressful interviews comes down to one key technique: grounding myself in gratitude. Recognizing the value in every conversation helps me focus on what really matters, including the potential for growth and the positive impact I aim to achieve.
During my time co-founding Give River, I faced challenging pitches that required quick, confident responses. Embracing a gratitude mindset allowed me to see these moments as opportunities to connect, rather than problems to overcome. This shift in perspective not only calmed my nerves but also enabled me to respond in a way that was both authentic and strategic.
A specific example I found helpful is the use of gratitude "drops"-a concept from Give River-to remind myself of previous successes and the team support behind me. This mental framework empowers me to pivot effortlessly, turning unexpected questions into dialogs that emphasize my strengths and the alignment of our respective goals. When faced with a stressful interview, I find that pulling from my diverse career experiences helps me remain calm and composed. For instance, when selling cemetery plots to grieving families, empathy and active listening were crucial. I focused on truly understanding their needs, which taught me the value of slowing down the conversation-an approach I apply in interviews today to steer challenging questions.
To stay composed, I use a visualization technique where I recall my experiences hosting a TV show. I imagine I'm on set, channeling the confidence and control I possessed in front of the camera. This mental shift transforms nerves into a performance mindset, allowing me to handle unexpected questions as if they're opportunities to engage an audience.
Furthermore, I rely on preparation through familiar structured methods like our Give River 5G Method, which emphasizes personal growth and wellness. By framing interviews as learning opportunities, I focus on creating mutually beneficial dialogs rather than fearing judgment. This perspective encourages a relaxed demeanor and genuine interaction.

Tammy Sons · Answer

I concentrate on regulating my breath during stressful interviews when unexpected questions arise to maintain my composure. Taking deep breaths provides stability while giving me time to collect my thoughts before answering. I use my preparation and my knowledge to stay steady and make decisions during this moment. When an unexpected question arises, I avoid rushing and recognize its complexity before thinking. Confident behavior and deliberate thinking can transform difficult questions into chances to display problem-solving abilities. My interview unfolded as a dialogue rather than a cross-examination to relax and maintain a natural speaking style. I strive to deliver precise and genuine responses because staying calm reveals the confidence developed through overcoming numerous difficulties.

Christopher Pappas · Answer

When encountering challenging questions, I use the "pivot to principles" method. Once, I was asked to explain a tough decision without enough context. I calmly discussed my core decision-making principles, like fairness and transparency.
This kept the focus on my values rather than specifics. Highlighting principles can fill gaps when you're unsure about details.

Lauren Hogsett Steele · Answer

In stressful interviews, I draw on my experience with trauma work to stay calm and composed. One technique I find effective is tapping into the principles of the Polyvagal Theory from my practice. I focus on regulating my nervous system through deep, slow breathing, which helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, making me feel grounded and present. This is something I incorporate frequently in therapy to help clients manage anxiety and panic attacks.
When faced with unexpected questions, I lean on principles of Internal Family Systems therapy. This involves acknowledging the different "parts" of myself that may react—a fearful part when caught off guard or a confident part that has steered complex therapy sessions. By recognizing these parts, I can integrate them and respond from a more balanced and composed place. This reflective practice connects with how I work with clients on processing trauma, allowing them to feel more integrated.
I also remind myself of my work with diverse communities, including the LGBTQIA+ group, where unexpected themes often emerge. By staying genuinely curious and open, rather than defensive, I'm able to accept challenges and view them as opportunities for growth—something I encourage in therapy as well.

Vivian Chen · Answer

A good way to stay calm during a stressful interview is to avoid rushing into an answer. Taking a brief pause to think shows thoughtfulness and composure. If a question catches you off guard, it's perfectly fine to say, "That's a great question-let me take a moment to think about it." After a while, you can revisit it later with something like, "I've had some time to reflect on that earlier question, and here's my take." This approach makes you appear more composed and earnest rather than flustered.

Nick Campion · Answer

During a stressful interview, I stay calm and composed by focusing on active listening and pausing before responding to unexpected or challenging questions. Taking a brief moment to gather my thoughts allows me to approach the question logically and thoughtfully, rather than reacting impulsively.
A technique I find helpful is re-framing the situation as a conversation rather than an interrogation. By treating the interview as an opportunity to share insights and collaborate, I can remain more relaxed and confident. This mindset helps me tackle even the most difficult questions with clarity and composure.

Mayank Singh · Answer

It's obvious that one should be well-prepared when going into an interview. This means doing your due diligence and taking copious notes -- before, during, and after the interview process. This has always helped me abundantly during interviews, as oftentimes when we are faced with unexpected or challenging questions, our thoughts at times can become disorganized and/or discombobulated. Writing down questions that are asked and referencing your notes can help you slow down the process and refocus. It forces you to concentrate and synthesize the information you are trying to convey. Incidentally (at least in my experience), it also gives interviewers the impression that you are taking the process seriously and giving it a certain level of gravitas. Though surprisingly enough, a lot of candidates I've interviewed don't do this (note-taking), it's something I've found to be very helpful during the course of my experience both as an interviewer and interviewee.

How to Stay Calm and Composed During Stressful Interviews

How to Stay Calm and Composed During Stressful Interviews

Pause and Breathe

Focus on Doing Your Best

Use the Time Mastery Technique

View Obstacles as External Chatter

Employ Grounding Techniques

Visualize Mindful Transitioning

Ground Yourself with Mindfulness

Reframe the Interview as a Conversation

Pause Before Responding

Visualize Tackling Challenging Questions

Draw on Community Support

Use 4-7-8 Breathing Technique

Reframe as Collaborative Discussion

Align Responses with Customer-Centric Solutions

Establish Structure and Flow

Use the Pause and Breathe Method

Deep Breathing and Transactional Mindset

Ground Yourself in Gratitude

Regulate Breath and Recognize Complexity

Pivot to Core Principles

Tap into Polyvagal Theory

Avoid Rushing into an Answer

Focus on Active Listening

Take Copious Notes