In an interview setting:
A question was asked. You answered the best you could. You stopped. You believe you’ve finished what you are supposed to say. But the interviewer did not say a word. Few seconds passed. Silence. A few more seconds more. You can almost hear your heart beat now. What should you do next?
Most people under such circumstances will tend to continue speaking as waiting out the silence until someone speaks up can be quite unnerving.
Candidates may think the interviewer does not have a follow-up question ready.
What they didn’t know was that the silent treatment is an intentional strategy employed by interviewers to get candidates to answer questions more fully. By doing so, the interviewer will get more than the standard reply. The interviewer understood the power of silence - employed rightly, it is louder than words. Under an uncomfortable silence, candidates may let off their guard and blurt out information that they are not supposed to reveal. Ouch!
When you understand it’s an intentional strategy, you should not be afraid of the silence. If you believe you had given your best answer, leave it at that. Alternatively, ask a relevant question yourself.
Do not fall into the silent treatment ploy and give information more than you should.
Related readings:
Listen With Your Eyes
Stress Job Interviews
Questions To Ask The Interviewer
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