Simple signs that a hiring manager isn’t warming to you and how to change that

www.freedigitalphotos.net

Attending a job interview is nerve-wracking enough – let alone when you can’t shake off that niggling feeling that your interviewer hasn’t quite warmed to you. If you find yourself in this situation, try not to panic because believe it or not, you can turn this around.

Below are some of the most subtle, yet telling signs that the hiring manager may not be in a rush to hand you that contract and how you can turn this around quickly and easily.

They only ask question from their prepared list

Most interviewers will come up with a set of questions they ask all candidates to ensure that they don’t miss out anything important. However, once the job interview starts flowing, they usually begin to deviate from their list by asking follow-up questions. If you find the interview is taking a very regimented question and answer format, this is probably a good indication that you’re not connecting with the interviewer.

You can turn this around by trying to ask some of your own questions. Don’t assume that you can only do this at the end. By engaging the interviewer throughout, you are showing initiative, leadership skills, that you can handle tricky situations and best of all, that you are knowledgeable. Importantly, this should also encourage a more relaxed interaction.

They’re easily distracted

If your interviewer becomes easily distracted while talking to you, it’s a clear sign that they’re starting to lose interest. Anything from continually looking around the room and regularly checking their watch to fidgeting and using a lack of eye contact, means that you should do something to bring the focus back to you immediately.

It’s vital to research the company and its industry before turning up to a job interview and now is the time to utilise this. Comment on recent industry news, company achievements or anything that directly affects the business and you not only show that you did your research but it’s also guaranteed to get the interviewer’s attention.

They don’t ask how your experience would benefit the company

It’s the job of a hiring manager to ensure that they employ the candidates who are going to be the best suited to the company and who will make a valuable contribution. In order to asses this, chances are that they will ask questions about your skills and experience and how you think they relate to the position you’re interviewing for.

If this hasn’t been mentioned or you don’t feel you’re covered everything you’re capable of, try to bring the conversation back to how much of an asset you would be and how you feel you have the right skills to help the company move forward.

They don’t mention anything about a second interview

If your interviewer doesn’t mention a second interview, it doesn’t always mean that you won’t be called back but it normally is a pretty good indication. If they ask you about your availability and whether or not you would be interested in taking the process further, this is normally a good sign that they like you. If they’re giving nothing away and don’t offer opportunities for further communication, emphasise to the interviewer how interested you are in the job. Thank them for their time and remain polite and professional even if you’re not entirely sure how it went.