It takes hard work to get to the interview phase of a job search. When you finally land a job interview, prepare by studying standard interview questions, rehearsing your responses and creating a list of questions to ask during the meeting. Even if you're prepared, things might still take a turn for the worse on your interview day. Look for three key signs that indicate your interview is not going too well.
1. Discern Any Boredom
Interviewers often demonstrate their disinterest in several ways during a job interview. Notice if they check their phones regularly, get distracted easily or seem more interested in the computer screen than in what you have to say. These are all nonverbal cues that let you know what's going on inside the mind of interviewers.
Does the person in front of you smile and make eye contact when you speak? Does he lean forward and engage with you as you describe various work scenarios? Does the recruiter maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview? If the answer to these questions is no, then the interviewer's body language, or nonverbal communication cues, are clues that the job interview is not going well.
2. Look for Reactions
As you tell your success stories with zest and passion, pay attention to the reactions of your interviewers. During a successful job interview, smiles, approving glances and nods demonstrate your potential employer's interest as he intently listens to everything you say. Failing to get a positive reaction is a sign that you're not connecting with the interviewer and the interview is not going well. It could also mean the interviewer already determined you're not the best fit for the job.
It's also possible your interviewer has his mind set on another candidate, someone who already met with and thoroughly impressed the employer before your scheduled job interview. If the interviewer already has his sights set on someone else, getting him to focus on you might be difficult or close to impossible.
3. Wait for the Wrap
Does the recruiter ask you questions after the job interview? Did he tell you about the next steps? These are normal aspects of a successful interview. If the people you're trying to impress don't show an interest in your or mention anything about the next phase of the job interview process, then your meeting may not end that way you hope. All is not lost, however. Learn from the experience, and keep improving your job interview skills until you land the perfect position.
Knowing how to read a person's expressions or gauge their interest during a job interview can help you prepare for what might happen next. Don't fret if recruiters feel you're not a good fit for the company. Continue to work on your interview skills, as the perfect job for you is likely with another employer.
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