No B.S. Job Search Advice Radio The Disengaged Interviewer
Nov 10, 2025
Discover how to handle disengaged interviewers with practical tips! Learn to recognize the signs of distraction and understand when to read the room. Jeff shares a clever two-step strategy to regain control by pausing and asking direct questions. He outlines how to respond depending on the interviewer's reaction and offers a script for exiting gracefully if it's not a fit. Emphasizing professionalism, he highlights the importance of maintaining relationships and composure during job interviews.
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Timing Reveals Interviewer Intent
- Early distraction isn't decisive; pattern matters more than a single glance or brief lapse.
- If disengagement persists past the first few minutes, treat it as a signal to act, not ignore.
Use A Polite Direct Question
- Pause, breathe, and use silence as a tool to reset the conversation.
- Then ask directly: "I could be reading this wrong, but I get the sense you're not interested in this interview. Am I catching you at a bad time?"
Follow The Interviewer's Honest Response
- If the interviewer admits an emergency, offer understanding and suggest rescheduling.
- If they say you're not a fit, politely end the interview to preserve your time and dignity.