6 Surprising Things Your Interviewer Notices About You

I’ve gone from being an interviewee to writing articles on career advice especially on Interviews, and I felt like it would be good to share some insights from both perspectives. From my experience as an interviewee, I realized that interviewers notice every single thing, whether you stammer, your body language, how you answer, fidget and so on. Don’t get me wrong, it’s completely normal to have anxiety and be nervous but it’s important to understand how they can make your interview.

But don’t just take it from me, don’t walk into your next interview without reading this first…

Your communication skills

Do you speak with your hands? Are you talking fast or skimming through your answers? The way you talk suggests a lot about you. Be very clear and straight to the point.

 Body language

Your body language communicates what you are really feeling. Whether you know it or not, your interviewer is studying you and will notice the visual clues about how you’re acting or what you’re feeling without you even knowing you’re giving them away.

Emotions and how you convey them directly influence your interviewer. Make sure you look alert and powerful.

How you answer difficult questions 

Sometimes, a tricky question demands an answer. It’s tempting to work through it out loud or try to change the subject, but there’s a reason those tricky questions are thrown in. If you don’t know the answer, employers want to know how you communicate that.

See it this way; A candidate who stays silent after being asked a tough question, tends to score bonus points because they didn’t jump to give an answer. Their silence and reflection communicates maturity and confidence, more so than anyone who tried to answer quickly.

 Whether you match the job description 

One secret that most interviewers admit to is that they almost never hire the person who most closely matches the job description. You can be perfect on paper, but it almost never works out. The job description is a loose guide, what you bring to the table that’s separate from that is a bonus.

The hidden criteria that decides whether you get the job or not is your personality, how you engage with your interviewer or interviewers and the preparation you’ve done beforehand. Honesty and clarity about every area of your expertise will get you far.

Saying negative things

Don’t be so quick to point out the flaws in your current or previous employers and colleagues. Always look for the positive things in your experience. If you felt overworked at a previous job, for instance, talk about how it taught you to better manage your time and set boundaries.

Sharing too much about your personal life

You see yourself as being honest while the employer thinks that you are probably making excuses or trying to seek attention.

Know where to draw the line. Even if it’s something that may affect your work arrangements (i.e., you’re dealing with personal family issues and will need to work from home X days a week for X amount of time), work it out in the conversation you have after you’ve received an offer.

 My final take

 Show up early and stay present. Let them know that this job interview is your most important priority right now.

Need help to correct some of these bad habits? Our professional interview coach will take you through an in depth session on interview etiquette to ensure that you make a good impression! Book your slots today!