interview-techniquesinterview-techniques
Call for appointment
087 669 1192
Get in touch
info@interviewtechniques.ie
  • About
  • Interview Coaching
      • Private Sector Interview Coach

        Private Sector Interviews

        Finance Accounting Interview Coach

        Finance/Accounting Interviews

        Public Sector Interview Coach

        Public Sector Interviews

        Graduate Interview Coach

        Graduate Interviews

  • Executive Interview Coaching
  • Tips & Advice
  • Contact
Interview Techniques Dublin Interview Techniques Dublin
  • About
  • Interview Coaching
      • Private Sector Interview Coach

        Private Sector Interviews

        Finance Accounting Interview Coach

        Finance/Accounting Interviews

        Public Sector Interview Coach

        Public Sector Interviews

        Graduate Interview Coach

        Graduate Interviews

  • Executive Interview Coaching
  • Tips & Advice
  • Contact

Dealing with Silence in Interviews

Home /  Tips & Advice /  Dealing with Silence in Interviews
 
Why wasn't I successful?

Dealing with Silence in Interviews

  • Laura-McGrath
  • November 20, 2022
  • Interview Nerves

Dealing with silence in interviews

What do you do when the flow of conversation comes to a grinding halt in an interview?  It’s very easy to feel the weight of silence and the impulse to fill the gap can be hard to overcome.  Below are some useful tips to help you deal with these wordless moments:

Less can be more 

During the interview, if you’ve fully elaborated on your answer and feel you’ve given it your best, then stop.  If the interviewer pauses, don’t feel the need to keep talking– by doing this you’ll simply dilute your message and lessen its impact.

Telephone Interviews

On the telephone, silence is obviously more difficult to manage.  As before never feel the need to fill a vacuum – if after a few seconds pause the interviewer doesn’t take control, simply ask them if they’d like you to expand further on your answer. Don’t forget that the interviewer may be taking notes as you speak so a slight time lag isn’t unusual.

The strength of silence when negotiating

Silence can be a powerful tool, particularly in salary negotiations.  A well timed pause will show your confidence, and can subconsciously remind an employer of your market value thus prompting them to more actively engage in the negotiation process.

What can you do if you can’t answer an interview question?

What if you’re lost for words in an interview and struggle to come up with a good answer?   Remember, employers will always respect somebody who thinks before they speak – it shows maturity, a sense of calmness and a structured approach…so don’t panic. In these situations, it can be useful to repeat the question – this can give you a few more seconds to formulate a solid answer.  In extreme cases you could ask the interviewer to come back to the question at the end of the interview.

Conclusion

In today’s fast paced world with a constant stream of information, we’re trained to feel the need to fill silent gaps.  When we hit a pause, especially in an interview setting, our instinct is to think that things aren’t going well.  Knowing how to effectively manage such moments of silence will help differentiate you from other job applicants and will ultimately make you closer to securing a job offer.

About the Author

Laura McGrath is a qualified executive coach, EMCC Certified with over 20 years’ experience in executive search and recruitment.  She’s the owner of Interview Techniques, a leading provider of interview and career coaching services and has been a guest lecturer with Trinity College Dublin and TU Dublin.  he’s given master classes with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants. For a consultation, please call 087 669 1192 or go to https://interviewtechniques.ie/contact/

Share

RECENT TIPS

  • Interview Trends. What are the top three skills sought by hiring managers? March 23, 2023
  • Interviewing for Executives – 5 tips to ensure you stand out March 14, 2023
  • How to answer the interview question – Where do you see yourself in 5 years? February 27, 2023

CATEGORIES

  • Why wasn't I successful?
  • Graduates
  • Women in Leadership
  • Interviewing for Executives
  • Popular Interview Questions
  • Competency Questions
  • Selected Interview Categories – From Virtual Interviews to Promotional Interviews
  • Re-energise your job search
  • Ten Reasons to Use an Interview Coach
  • Funny Interview Moments

SEARCH

Take Control of Your Future & Unlock Your Full Potential. I work with clients face-to-face and on skype or zoom.

Call Laura Today!

Interview Coaching

  • Private Sector Interviews
  • Finance/Accounting Interviews
  • Public Sector Interviews
  • Graduate Interviews

Executive Interview Coaching

Could you benefit from interview coaching?
Maybe you haven’t interviewed in several years and you’re rusty or you’re already good at interviews but want to get that extra edge to land you the job.

RECENT TIPS

  • Interview Trends. What are the top three skills sought by hiring managers? March 23, 2023
  • Interviewing for Executives – 5 tips to ensure you stand out March 14, 2023

FIND US HERE

68 Dame Street, Dublin 2

087 669 1192

info@interviewtechniques.ie

   

Laura McGrath - Executive Coach

© 2022 Interview Techniques, Dublin - Interview Coaching. All right reserved.    Privacy Policy

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.OKPrivacy Policy