What an Interrogator Can Teach You About Being Great at Interviews

In the high-stakes world of job interviews, much like in an interrogation room, the ability to listen effectively is a game-changer. The parallels between an interrogator seeking the truth and a job seeker revealing their suitability for a role might surprise you. Both scenarios require acute observation, strategic questioning, and, above all, the ability to listen beyond mere words. On THIS EPISODE of the Career PROgression Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with former loss prevention guru and creator of the Disciplined Listening Method, Michael Reddington, CFI . He shared some fascinating insights about how effective interrogation tactics can be used masterfully by job seekers in an interview. In this edition of the Career PROgressions Newsletter, we'll shine the bright lights on some impressive strategies you can use in your next interview.

The Power of Listening: More Than Just Hearing

Listening is often confused with hearing, but the two are far from synonymous. Hearing is a passive act; it’s the physical ability to perceive sound. Listening, however, is an active process that involves understanding, interpreting, and responding to what is being said. In an interview, listening can reveal more than the content of the answers—it can uncover the underlying motivations, concerns, and opportunities that lie beneath the surface.

Interrogators are trained to listen for inconsistencies, note changes in tone, and pick up on evasive language. Similarly, in a job interview, listening can help you identify key information that might not be explicitly stated. For example, when a hiring manager repeatedly emphasizes "teamwork" or "adaptability," they may be hinting at internal challenges or past issues with team dynamics. Recognizing these subtleties can help you tailor your responses to address the unspoken concerns and demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate.

Body Language: Reading Between the Lines

An interrogator doesn’t just listen to words—they observe body language. Nonverbal cues such as eye movement, facial expressions, posture, and hand gestures can speak volumes about a person’s true thoughts and feelings. According to research by Dr. Albert Mehrabian, only 7% of communication is verbal, while 38% is vocal (tone of voice), and a staggering 55% is nonverbal (body language). This underscores the importance of paying attention to more than just what is being said during an interview.

As a job seeker, you can use body language to your advantage in two key ways:

1. Observing the Interviewer’s Cues: Notice if the interviewer leans in when discussing certain topics or if they cross their arms when you mention a particular skill. These nonverbal signals can provide insight into what excites or concerns them about your candidacy.
2. Managing Your Own Body Language: Be mindful of how you present yourself. Maintain eye contact to show confidence, use open gestures to convey honesty, and mirror the interviewer’s posture subtly to build rapport. Being aware of your body language can help reinforce the message that you are calm, collected, and confident in your abilities.

The Art of Strategic Questioning

In an interrogation, questions are crafted carefully to elicit specific information. Interrogators often ask open-ended questions to encourage the subject to speak freely, which can lead to unexpected revelations. In a job interview, strategic questioning can serve a similar purpose.

Instead of simply answering questions, consider how you can guide the conversation with your inquiries. Asking thoughtful questions not only shows your interest in the role but also helps you gather crucial information about the company’s culture, challenges, and expectations.

For instance, if you’re interviewing for a leadership position, you might ask, “Can you tell me about a recent challenge the team faced and how it was resolved?” This question not only demonstrates your interest in problem-solving but also gives you insight into the company’s dynamics and the kind of challenges you might encounter.

Moreover, the way you ask questions can influence the interviewer’s perception of you. A study conducted by Harvard Business School found that asking follow-up questions makes people more likeable and gives the impression of attentiveness and engagement. This can be a powerful tool in an interview setting, where building rapport is essential.

Detecting Red Flags: Listening for What’s Not Being Said

Just as an interrogator listens for what is being avoided or omitted, a job seeker should be attuned to what isn’t being said during an interview. This could include vague responses to questions about turnover rates, reluctance to discuss team dynamics, or an interviewer glossing over details about company culture.

These omissions can be as telling as the answers themselves. If you notice that an interviewer is evasive when you ask about work-life balance or growth opportunities, it could be a sign that these areas are problematic. By listening carefully to what’s not being said, you can better assess whether the company is a good fit for you.

Building Trust Through Empathy

Interrogators know that building rapport is key to getting truthful responses. In an interview, building a connection with the interviewer can similarly increase your chances of success. Demonstrating empathy—showing that you understand and care about the interviewer’s needs and concerns—can create a sense of trust and open the door to more candid conversations.

One way to build empathy is through active listening. This involves not just hearing the interviewer’s words but also acknowledging and responding to their underlying emotions. For example, if an interviewer expresses frustration about a current project, you might say, “It sounds like this project has been particularly challenging. Can you tell me more about what’s been the most difficult part?” This shows that you’re not only listening but also trying to understand their perspective.

Leveraging Silence: The Power of the Pause

Interrogators often use silence as a tool to encourage subjects to fill the gap with more information. In a job interview, strategic pauses can also work to your advantage. After answering a question, don’t be afraid to let a brief silence linger. This can prompt the interviewer to elaborate on their question or provide additional context, giving you more insight into what they’re looking for.

Similarly, if you’re unsure how to answer a question, taking a moment of silence to gather your thoughts can demonstrate that you’re thoughtful and considerate in your responses. This is often more effective than rushing to fill the silence with an incomplete or poorly thought-out answer.

The Importance of Preparation: Know Your Subject

Interrogators prepare extensively before questioning a subject. They gather information, anticipate responses, and develop a strategy. The same level of preparation is crucial for a successful job interview.

Research the company thoroughly, including its mission, values, recent news, and the background of your interviewers. This knowledge not only helps you tailor your responses but also allows you to ask more informed questions. Being well-prepared shows that you’re serious about the opportunity and gives you a competitive edge.

A survey by Glassdoor found that 88% of hiring decision-makers agree that an informed candidate is a quality candidate. This highlights the importance of preparation—not just for answering questions but for listening and responding in a way that aligns with the company’s goals and values.

Listening Your Way to Success

Learning to listen like an interrogator can transform your approach to job interviews. By honing your ability to listen actively, observe body language, ask strategic questions, and detect red flags, you can reveal the truth about your fit for the role and make a compelling case for why you are the right person for the job.

Remember, the goal is not just to answer questions but to engage in a meaningful dialogue that showcases your strengths, addresses the interviewer’s concerns, and ultimately, uncovers the mutual benefit of you joining the company. Just as an interrogator seeks the truth, your mission in an interview is to reveal the truth that you are the ideal candidate.

By adopting these techniques, you’ll not only improve your interview performance but also increase your chances of landing the job that’s the perfect fit for your skills, experience, and career aspirations. So, as you prepare for your next interview, channel your inner interrogator, and listen your way to success!