Job interviews can be nerve-racking.
After spending hours trying on outfits, looking up common interview questions and even rehearsing answers in your head or conducting mock interviews with a friend, we still have to worry about one thing: Awkward silences.
It's happened to us all – we're having a conversation with someone we don't know too well, and it's flooded with these awkward silences that no one knows how to fill. They can completely drive the conversation south, and the person who decides to break the silence usually feels the obligation to drive the conversation moving forward.
Luckily, there are tips to avoid these moments when it really matters, like during a job interview.
1. Do your research.
Doing your research before the interview will help you avoid being in a situation where you don't know what to say. Knowing a lot about the company allows you to have tricks up your sleeve to keep the conversation going, which leads to my next tip.
2. Compliment the company.
When in doubt, compliment. If you're interviewing with a company you love, mention that. If you feel an awkward silence coming on, mention what you love about the company and why you want to work there, and the conversation is sure to flow. Make sure to think about the reasons you want to work somewhere before going into the interview so that you don't just make something up.
3. Ask questions.
It's totally okay to ask the person interviewing you questions, even before they ask if you have any. Many are too afraid to ask questions and just let the person interviewing take the lead. Remember that interviews go both ways, and it's just as important that the company is a good fit for you than it is that you're a good fit for them. Have some questions prepared to fill any awkward moments.
4. Mention something on your resume.
At the beginning of the interview, you should have handed the interviewer your resume. If you find yourself in an awkward silence, mention a highlight of your resume by humbly saying something like, "As you may notice on my resume, I volunteer for (some charity)". You can then go into why you do this when you developed this passion, etc. This keeps the conversation going while also bringing up employable characteristics you embody. A win-win!
5. Be aware of your audience.
This applies more to interviews in which there is more than one person interviewing you. If you are speaking with several individuals, be sure to ask them about their specific roles at the company. This will show that you are truly interested and give them the opportunity to open up and avoid awkward silences. It can also lead to great follow-up questions.
6. Let it happen.
In some unique situations, an awkward silence may have meaning. One example would be if the person is taking a moment to jot down notes or look at a list of prepared questions. Not every silence needs to be filled, especially if it is natural and has a purpose. Don't ramble just to fill every second of the conversation.
Remember that during an interview, the person asking the questions can sometimes be just as nervous as you, and awkward silences don't determine whether the interview went well or not. However, it's always beneficial to be prepared.
