What do you do if the interviewer seems uninterested in building rapport during an interview?

1 Stay Positive

When faced with an unenthusiastic interviewer, it's essential to stay positive and not mirror their disinterest. Your attitude can set the tone for the interview and may even help to turn things around. Continue to express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Smile, maintain good eye contact, and use open body language. Your positivity could be the catalyst that changes the interviewer’s demeanor, so it's worth maintaining a friendly and upbeat attitude throughout the conversation.

2 Be Professional

No matter how the interviewer behaves, always maintain your professionalism. This means avoiding negative comments or body language that could be interpreted as unprofessional. Instead, focus on delivering concise and well-structured responses to their questions. Remember, your goal is to demonstrate why you're the best candidate for the job, and staying professional is key to leaving a lasting positive impression, regardless of the interviewer's level of engagement.

3 Engage Them

If the interviewer seems disconnected, try to engage them by asking open-ended questions about the role or the company. This can show your genuine interest and might encourage them to open up. Ask about challenges they're facing, the company culture, or where they see the company going in the future. By initiating meaningful conversation, you can potentially break the ice and create a more interactive dialogue.

4 Listen Carefully

Listening is a critical communication skill, especially when dealing with a disengaged interviewer. Pay close attention to what they say and how they say it. Sometimes, the interviewer may be testing you or may simply be having a bad day. By listening carefully, you can pick up on subtle cues and adjust your responses accordingly. It demonstrates your ability to be attentive and respectful, qualities that are valuable in any job.

6 Reflect Afterwards

After the interview, take time to reflect on the experience. Consider what went well and what could have been improved. If you felt the interviewer was uninterested, think about why that might have been and how you responded to it. Use this reflection as a learning opportunity for future interviews. It can help you prepare for different scenarios and become more adept at handling similar situations in the future.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?