Compliments From The Interviewer Might Not Mean What You Think

A job interview is sometimes a stressful experience that leaves you feeling both empowered and nervous simultaneously. You may think that the meeting went well after receiving a few compliments from the interviewer, but unless you are analyzing the compliments, you may have false hope that an offer is looming.

Hiring managers commonly meet with potential candidates on a regular basis and encounter some interesting characters. These professionals have mastered the art of remaining professional, even when they are less than interested in an applicant. As a result, they skillfully use compliments that may throw you off a bit during the job interview if you are not truly reading the underlying message and paying close attention to what these common phrases mean.

1. "You Are Not the Typical Candidate"

Question whether or not this is a compliment if you hear it uttered by a hiring manager during a job interview. What this typically means is that the potential employer is doubting your abilities to complete the job duties. Follow up with an overview of why being different can benefit the company. If your experience lies outside the industry, discuss transferable skills that can impact productivity and profitability. Show that typical is not something you strive for because you strive for exceptional.

2. "You Are a Great Ambassador for Your Company"

This phrase could indicate that the hiring manager is questioning whether or not you are ready to leave your current position. Stress the importance of loyalty to a company, but direct the conversation to how your loyalty can benefit any company. Detail how you are committed to the mission and goals of the prospective employer when answering interview questions. Interview the interviewer as well to show that you are interested in learning more about how the company operates.

3. "You Are Persistent"

Back off a bit when hearing these words. Hiring managers like to have control during a job interview, and even though your assertive nature or confidence is often appealing, an aggressive approach can be off-putting and over the top. Persistence can be construed as a compliment, but when a hiring manager labels you in this way, it can translate into a need for space.

4. "You Have So Much Enthusiasm"

Show that you are excited about this potential opportunity when answering interview questions, but tame down your excitement if you receive this compliment. Candidates who are overly bubbly or talk a mile a minute with enthusiasm during a job interview can overwhelm potential employers to the point that they become a little uncomfortable. Show off your confident nature without becoming overly eager.

Analyze the nature of each compliment in order to accurately evaluate the comfort level of a hiring manager during a job interview. Candidates who can read cues and know when to step up or slow down have the potential to impress potential employers with their adaptable nature.

Photo courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net