React to disengagement with ease

“Managing your emotions and understanding the emotions of people around you are great tools to master in your professional life, and that includes interviews,” says O’Brien. “If someone is looking away, zones out or is performing any activity that might signal disengagement, it’s important to not let it unnerve you or affect your ability to answer questions confidently.”

For example, if your interviewer is visibly disengaged, try to re-engage them. At the end of your answer, throw a question back at them and ask them what their perspective is, to pull them back into the conversation. This shows that you’re aware of their actions, but also levels the power dynamic and forces them to be present.

Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements

When someone is visibly disengaged, it’s hard not to take it personally and let it wobble your confidence. But remember your achievements, the highlights of your career or life experiences, and know your worth. “Reminding yourself of these things can help you maintain confidence throughout the interview,” agrees O’Brien.

Spark conversation

“Finding common ground or making small talk with a rude interviewer might be the last thing you want to do, but it could be the answer to re-engaging them,” suggest O’Brien. “Ask them about what they enjoy about working here and about their highlights of working at the company. Although this interview is about you, flattery goes a long way and sometimes people aren’t cold or unfriendly intentionally.”

How to ace any job interview (even with a bad interviewer)