What do you do if the interviewer shows emotional cues during your interview?
When you're sitting across from an interviewer, it's crucial to recognize that they're not just evaluating your responses—they're also communicating through their own emotional cues. Whether it's a furrowed brow indicating confusion or a nod of approval, these signals can provide valuable insight into how your interview is progressing. Your ability to read and react to these cues can significantly impact the impression you make. So, what do you do if you notice these emotional signals during your interview? Here's how to navigate this subtle yet important aspect of the interviewing process.
If your interviewer displays positive emotions such as enthusiasm or interest, it's a good sign. Mirror these emotions by showing your own excitement about the role and the company. This doesn't mean you should feign emotions; rather, allow your genuine interest to shine through. Reflecting positivity creates a rapport and can make the interview feel more like a conversation between future colleagues. Remember, enthusiasm is contagious, and showcasing your passion can leave a lasting positive impression.
-
Raj Thind
Partner, Middle East
Absolutely, but still stay focused. It's fantastic if an interview is taking a friendly and slightly informal path, but it is essential to remain professional throughout. Still think about the questions being asked and ensure you are answering them with great examples.
-
Rachna G.
Maestro, Talent Management, Excel
If the interviewer shows emotional cues during your interview, respond attentively and adapt your approach. Observe their body language and facial expressions to gauge their reactions. If they seem pleased or engaged, reinforce those points and elaborate on relevant experiences. If they appear confused or disinterested, clarify your answers and provide concise, focused responses. Address any concerns directly and remain positive and professional. Demonstrating empathy and the ability to read and react to their emotions will show your interpersonal skills and adaptability, enhancing your chances of making a positive impression.
When you detect signs of concern or confusion from your interviewer, it's important to address these emotions directly. Use this as an opportunity to clarify your points or expand on your answers. Ask if there's anything specific they'd like you to elaborate on. This proactive approach demonstrates your attentiveness and ability to communicate effectively. It also shows that you're capable of receiving feedback and adapting your message accordingly, which are valuable skills in any workplace.
-
Yasdrid De Los A Rojas M
Mentora de empleabilidad IT| Head Hunter IT | Marca personal | Influencer Reclutamiento IT| Empleabilidad en tecnología| Creadora de Contenido| Coach de bienestar | Asesoría Laboral en Tecnología| +29k| +33k seguidores
Sin duda, es súper importante aprovechar esas instancias donde observamos al entrevistador inquieto o tratando de obtener más información para dejarle todo el panorama claro y abrirle incluso la oportunidad de que realice más preguntas sobre ese tema para aclarar las dudas.
Encountering negative emotional cues, such as frustration or disinterest, can be disheartening, but it's essential to stay composed. Keep your responses focused and professional, and resist the urge to react defensively. Instead, use this as a cue to adjust your approach—perhaps by providing more concise answers or by engaging the interviewer with thoughtful questions. Maintaining composure under pressure is a skill that employers value, and demonstrating it during an interview can work in your favor.
Emotional intelligence involves empathizing with others, and an interview is a perfect opportunity to showcase this skill. If you sense that the interviewer is tired or stressed, acknowledge the situation subtly and express appreciation for their time. Being considerate of their emotional state can help build a connection and show that you're a team player who's aware of others' feelings. This can set you apart from other candidates who may not pick up on or react appropriately to these cues.
-
Oluwakemi Olawunmi Akinnubi ACIPM, MSC, HRPL, CPHR Candidate
DEIB expert I Human Resources Professional | Author | Career Coach | Talent Management | Employee Engagement Specialist I Organizational Development Expert I
Follow-Up: If a particular topic caused a negative reaction, follow up with a positive point or a question to redirect the conversation constructively.
-
Yasdrid De Los A Rojas M
Mentora de empleabilidad IT| Head Hunter IT | Marca personal | Influencer Reclutamiento IT| Empleabilidad en tecnología| Creadora de Contenido| Coach de bienestar | Asesoría Laboral en Tecnología| +29k| +33k seguidores
Awww me parece bonito, interesante y muy profesional este punto, entender que de cada lado hay humanos con historias, presiones y objetivos a lograr es muy positivo sobretodo puede llegar a marcar la diferencia y hacerte sobresalir en un proceso de selección.
Sometimes, it's difficult to interpret what an interviewer's emotional cues really mean. In such cases, don't hesitate to seek clarification in a respectful manner. You could frame it as a desire to understand their perspective better or ensure that you're providing the most relevant information. Seeking clarification not only helps you tailor your responses more effectively but also demonstrates your commitment to clear communication and understanding.
Lastly, being adaptable is key when responding to emotional cues during an interview. If your initial approach isn't resonating, be prepared to pivot and adjust your communication style. This could mean switching from a formal tone to a more conversational one, or vice versa, depending on the interviewer's demeanor. The ability to dynamically adjust your behavior shows that you're perceptive and flexible—qualities that are highly valued in any professional setting.
-
Oluwakemi Olawunmi Akinnubi ACIPM, MSC, HRPL, CPHR Candidate
DEIB expert I Human Resources Professional | Author | Career Coach | Talent Management | Employee Engagement Specialist I Organizational Development Expert I
Adaptability: Be prepared to adapt your communication style and content based on the interviewer's responses to keep the conversation productive and engaging.
-
Oluwakemi Olawunmi Akinnubi ACIPM, MSC, HRPL, CPHR Candidate
DEIB expert I Human Resources Professional | Author | Career Coach | Talent Management | Employee Engagement Specialist I Organizational Development Expert I
When i see positive cues like smiling or nodding, continue speaking confidently and stay on topic, as these cues indicate the interviewer is engaged and agrees with what you're saying. You can acknowledge their positive reaction with a smile or a nod to build rapport.
Rate this article
More relevant reading
-
Human ResourcesHere's how you can build rapport with the interviewer during an interview.
-
Relationship BuildingHere's how you can establish rapport with the interviewer during an interview.
-
Career CounselingHere's how you can build rapport with the interviewer effectively.
-
InterviewingYou’re about to meet your interviewer. How can you establish rapport right away?