What do you do if your interviewers seem disinterested?

It's important to remain composed and focused on conveying your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position. Assess the situation and try to understand why they may seem disinterested. It could be due to external factors or simply their interviewing style. Regardless, maintain professionalism and continue to answer questions thoughtfully and confidently. Try to engage them by asking insightful questions about the role or the company, demonstrating your interest and understanding of the opportunity. Additionally, use body language and vocal tone to convey enthusiasm and engagement, even if the interviewers seem unresponsive.

Many times the questions are preprogrammed, and they are not prepared for your answer. Whenever possible, get the interviewer to step away from the list and rephrase their own questions with their own language. That's when the real interview begins.

I wouldn't say I 've ever had anyone who is "disinterested"...I feel it's likely not an energetic match. We all have different energy levels, so someone who has a "tough" interview, likely could just be at a different energy level and it was likely not a good decision to have them as a guest.

Very important to be able to build rapport with the interviewer quickly from the very beginning. Create an icebreaker or intro that will capture the whole attention. For example, ask a simple question and listen to what they have to say. Tell them the ground rules on how you would like this interview to be. For instance, I would like this to be an engaging dialogue and a safe space for us to share our stories and perspectives. This way, they know what you expect and understand that they will be engaged and be heard along the way too. But most importantly, whatever the situation is, deliver your message with compassion and confidence with a serving mindset that you are here to speak?and?inspire.

Elevating your approach in an interview with disinterested interviewers requires a blend of tact and strategy. Imagine you're discussing your qualifications and you sense a disconnect. Seize the moment to shift gears by incorporating a thought-provoking question: "Ms. Johnson, based on your experience, how do you see the role I'm applying for evolving in the context of the company's future goals?" This not only reignites their engagement by valuing their insight but also positions you as a proactive and strategic thinker, keen on contributing to the company's vision. It's a subtle yet powerful way to steer the conversation in your favor, demonstrating your initiative and deep interest in the role and the organization's trajectory.

Imagine you're deep into discussing your latest project during an interview and notice the panel seems a bit drained. This is where you subtly shift gears. Slow your pace, soften your tone, and lean in slightly, showing you're attuned to their energy. Then, with a gentle nod to their state, lightly ask, "Long day?" This blend of adjusting your approach and acknowledging their fatigue acts like finding the perfect lighting—it makes everyone more comfortable. It's a thoughtful gesture that not only reinvigorates the dialogue but also demonstrates your empathy and adaptability, leaving a memorable impression on your potential future colleagues.

When you notice interviewers losing interest, seize the moment to re-engage them with a strategic blend of storytelling and inquiry. Imagine sharing a story about a challenging project you spearheaded. As the tale unfolds, pause to ask, "Have you faced similar challenges here?" This approach does more than showcase your skills; it invites the interviewers into the narrative, transforming a one-sided conversation into an interactive exchange. It's akin to a guide on a tour, not just pointing out landmarks but also asking travelers about their own journeys. This method ensures your insights resonate more deeply, making the interview a memorable two-way dialogue that highlights your collaborative spirit.

Cutting through the fog of disinterest in an interview can be as simple as streamlining your message. Picture yourself delving into the technicalities of a project and noticing glazed eyes across the table. This is your cue to pivot. Strip down the technical speak and share the essence of your story in plain language. For instance, instead of detailing every step of your project management process, you could say, "I led a team to deliver the project two weeks early, focusing on clear communication and prioritizing tasks." This approach not only makes your point more accessible but also subtly showcases your ability to distill complex information into what's most relevant and impactful, a skill highly valued in any role.

Use the power of story. If the interviewer is bored, so are you. Think of a handful of epic stories, and practice bringing them into the topic being discussed. It may take some work, but when you get one, your audience will be hooked.