5 Things That Interviewers Judge You on During The Interview

More often than not we always get nervous a few moments into the interview. I for one, at the onset of my career, had an experience before my interview thinking of all the ways the interview process could go.

As I sat nervously waiting in the reception area, I couldn’t help but reflect on all the possible ways this interview could go wrong. Would I forget an important points I wanted to highlight about my previous work experience? Would I come across as totally disinterested or unenthusiastic about the role?

I tried to mentally rehearse all the research I had done about the company and the key accomplishments I wanted to discuss, but my thoughts were racing so fast that it was hard to keep anything straight.

I knew from my research that there were certain key things interviewers tend to judge candidates on during the interview process. Things like how well they communicate their qualifications for the role, their overall personality fit for the company culture, and whether they seem genuinely enthusiastic about the job.

But would I be able to showcase those things while staying calm and collected effectively? This interview felt like a high-stakes test I could easily fail if I wasn’t careful. I took a deep breath to try and steady my nerves as I heard my name called to go back for the interview. It was time to put all my preparation and doubts aside and give it my best shot.

There are typically 5 main factors that interviewers subconsciously or consciously evaluate candidates on during a job interview. Here I’ll highlight how you can go about it and present yourself as the best candidate.

1. Communication Skills

Being able to clearly and concisely communicate your qualifications, experiences, and thought process is crucially important in an interview.

Interviewers want to gauge not only what you know but how well you can convey it. Did you know that about 68% of HR managers have cited communication skills as a reason for hiring or not hiring a candidate?

Try to pay attention to speaking slowly and making eye contact, having a natural conversation instead of just answering questions, and asking clarifying questions if needed.

2. Enthusiasm and Interest

Interviewers want to hire someone who is excited and passionate about the role and company. A lack of enthusiasm may lead the hiring managers to reject you for the role.

Smiling, maintaining an engaged posture, and subtly conveying your interest in the work will leave a strong impression. Be prepared with research-backed questions that show you understand the company’s mission and culture.

3. Problem-Solving Abilities

In a working environment, it is often that we are faced with unintended problems. How well can you go about it?

Interviews often involve behavioral-based questions meant to gauge how you would handle real workplace scenarios. Employers are evaluating your thought process, analytical skills, and ability to think on your feet.

Shy away from reciting memorized answers – listen closely and engage in a back-and-forth discussion to truly address the issue.

4. Cultural Fit

Every company has its own culture and therefore wants to hire professionals who will mesh well with their existing team dynamic and values.

Interviewers analyze small behaviors like how respectfully you interact with them and if your personality seems compatible. Things like your work style, sense of humor, priorities, and goals play a role too.

Appearing too rigid or overbearing could damage your chances even if you’re qualified.

5. Confidence

Interviews are understandably nerve-racking, but displaying confidence in your abilities through your posture, tone of voice, and eye contact sends a strong message.

On the other side, coming across as arrogant or overly full of yourself is also a red flag. Confidence is not to show arrogance. The goal is to show self-assurance without an inflated ego.

In reflecting on that interview experience, I realized I focused too much inward on my own worries beforehand instead of adequately preparing the key points I wanted to get across. The experience taught me interviews are about selling yourself as the whole package – not just reciting a prepared speech.

If evaluating your past performances has left you thinking another set of eyes could help refine your technique, consider seeking our  interview coaching services. Our expert interview coach will take you through mock interviews, give constructive feedback on your responses and body language, help tailor your talking points to highlight the skills employers seek most and get you feeling more at ease in high-pressure interview scenarios