Andrew Seaman Senior Managing Editor for Jobs & Career Development at LinkedIn News
Ever Been in the middle of what you thought was a great interview, only to glance over and see that one of the interviewers looks completely bored or disinterested? This article takes that very scenario and gives you the ins and outs on how to pique their interest.
Job seekers can prepare for a lot of what they'll encounter during interviews, including common questions and basics about the company. Yet, there are many variables that can catch a person off guard during these conversations. One of those factors is the interviewer.
A friend recently told me about a second-round job interview they had with a person who seemed disinterested in their candidacy and — frankly — hostile to their answers. The interviewer seemed annoyed by the conversation and repeatedly asked my friend the same questions.
I've had similar conversations with interviewers early in my career. Facing an uninterested or confrontational interviewer can be one of the most challenging obstacles that you'll face during the hiring process.
While there's no singular way to approach or address this situation, there are a number of options you can take under consideration during and after the interview. I compiled a number of suggestions below from LinkedIn members.
Engage Them in Their Successes
If your interviewer seems disengaged, consider shifting the conversation to something they may find more interesting: themselves. People usually enjoy discussing their own victories. You can gain points by showing genuine interest in the interviewer's career.
"One way to change gears is to get the interviewer to talk about themselves," writes Anne Genduso, who is a career coach. "Try asking about a win they’re proud of and how it’s helped the business. People love talking about their successes, and it may just change the energy for the rest of the conversation."
Address the Issue Directly
Some people advised addressing any sensed hesitation directly. Genduso adds that you can ask about any concerns the interviewer may have about your candidacy. "You can tactfully address the situation and share you’re sensing some hesitation about your candidacy."
Similarly, if the interviewer has alluded to you being overqualified for the role, career coach Phyllis Mufson suggests addressing it directly. "Say that yes, you're overqualified, and then give reasons why the usual concerns about overqualification don't apply to you."
Reframe Your Experience
Aliza Licht, who is a marketing expert and the author of On Brand, said she doesn't think there's much to gain by calling out the interviewer for their attitude or approach. Instead, she recommends flipping the script of the interview by asking the interviewer about the experiences they think are most valuable for the role.
"'Can you tell me about the characteristics or experiences you think are most valuable for this role, and I will tell you about a time specifically that my experience has been able to positively add to this type of position or role?' This approach allows you to frame your experience in a way that aligns with the interviewer's expectations," she writes.
Remain Professional and Diplomatic
Regardless of how the interviewer is behaving, remaining professional and diplomatic is crucial.
"I would stay diplomatic and professional and not let the interviewer drag me down," writes Kamara Toffolo, a job search strategist.
If the interviewer continues to be uncooperative, she said it's acceptable to politely end the interview.
Tell Stories
Engaging the interviewer with stories can be another effective strategy to help salvage a lackluster interview.
"You want this interview to end with the person remembering 5 of your qualifications, and the best way to get people to remember just about everything is to tell a story as an illustration," writes Bernadette Pawlik, a professional development trainer.
The bottom line: remember, an interview is a two-way street. If the interviewer doesn't seem interested, it's up to you to re-engage them. These strategies can help you navigate challenging interviews and leave a positive impression on the interviewer — even under difficult circumstances.
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