How do you maintain eye contact during an Interview?

Question

I just got feedback that I looked down too much during an interview. They perceived me as being less confident and shy.

How do you maintain eye contact without staying at the person intently during an Interview? I do feel that I have the experience and can do the job, but have a hard time showing it.

Any suggestions of techniques that have worked?

Answer 1

Hold their eyes for a little longer than feels comfortable to you - 4 to 5 seconds. Then look away (perhaps down at your resume, as if to refresh your memory) for a second or two before resuming. If it bothers you to look right at their pupils, try looking at the bridge of their nose.

Other non-verbal cues that you want the job - sit toward the edge of your job; lean forward slightly; SMILE.

Practice in a mirror....you'll do fine. Good luck!

Answer 2

Employers do see this as a sign of weakness and you need to practice talking in the mirror (I know it sound stupid, but it works). Also, run a mock interview with a family member or friend to practice eye contact and have them evaluate you. Don't scare without any nonverbal cues, just look at them attentively while nodding, smiling, and paying attention to what they have to say. When you look away it seems like you don't care about what they have to say. Practice makes perfect.....how cheesy was that saying. lol

Answer 3

Use the nose or the mid brow as your focus point. It appears as if you are maintaining eye contact, but you are not. There is also this device people use while driving. If your head nods down, it zaps ya!. Its for people who might fall asleep at the wheel. That might work for ya.

Answer 4

Instead of looking at their eyes, I look at their eyebrows. It is easier for me to focus, and it appears that you are looking at them.

Sometimes, if they are really ugly or have food on their face, it is hard not to look away.

When you are thinking of an answer, try not to look up and to the left/right. Instead, look down at your paper/resume as if you already have notes on that question. Then look at them when you respond.

Good luck!