What do you do if the interviewer seems uninterested during a social work interview?

1 Stay calm and positive

The first thing to do is to stay calm and positive. Don't let the interviewer's attitude affect your confidence or enthusiasm. Remember that you are there to demonstrate your qualifications and suitability for the role, not to please the interviewer. Keep a friendly and professional tone, smile, and maintain eye contact. Avoid being defensive, confrontational, or desperate. Focus on the questions and your answers, not on the interviewer's reactions.

2 Engage the interviewer

The second thing to do is to engage the interviewer. Try to find out what they are looking for and why they are uninterested. Ask open-ended questions, such as "What are the main challenges or goals for this position?" or "How do you measure the impact of your social work programs?" Show interest in their perspective and experience, and relate your answers to their needs and expectations. Use examples and stories from your previous work or education to illustrate your points and skills. Show that you have done your research and that you are familiar with the organization and its mission.

3 Highlight your strengths and values

The third thing to do is to highlight your strengths and values. Emphasize how your skills, knowledge, and experience match the requirements and expectations of the role. Show that you have the competencies and qualities that are essential for social work, such as empathy, communication, problem-solving, resilience, and ethics. Explain how your values align with the organization's vision and values, and how you can contribute to its social work objectives and outcomes. Demonstrate your passion and motivation for social work, and why you chose this career path.

4 Ask for feedback

The fourth thing to do is to ask for feedback. At the end of the interview, thank the interviewer for their time and attention, and ask them if they have any questions or concerns about your application. This is an opportunity to address any gaps or doubts that they may have, and to show that you are open to feedback and improvement. You can also ask them about the next steps of the hiring process, and when you can expect to hear from them. This will show that you are interested and proactive, and that you value their opinion.

5 Follow up

The fifth thing to do is to follow up. After the interview, send a thank-you email to the interviewer, reiterating your interest and appreciation for the opportunity. You can also use this email to summarize your main qualifications and strengths, and to mention any relevant details that you may have forgotten or missed during the interview. You can also ask them to keep you updated on the status of your application, and to let you know if they need any additional information from you. This will show that you are professional and courteous, and that you care about the outcome.

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?