Respect is fundamental. Every individual deserves dignity, regardless of background, appearance, or communication style. When respect is withheld, it reflects poorly on the person showing disrespect, not on the one receiving it. An interviewer should exercise patience and allow the candidate to present themselves authentically. The focus must remain on assessing knowledge, skills, and experience relevant to the role. If the conversation strays off topic, the interviewer may intervene politely, either during the interview or afterward, offering constructive feedback in a way the candidate can accept comfortably.
For the interviewee, the priority is to respond thoughtfully to questions about their suitability for the job. Cynical expressions or gestures from the interviewer should not cause distress or distraction. Even if the tone feels harsh, listen carefully to the substance of the question. By focusing on the content rather than the expression, and maintaining calm, confident body language, the interviewee demonstrates maturity and self-control. A smile or neutral expression conveys resilience. In some cases, such behavior may even be intentional, designed to test how the candidate reacts under pressure.
Ultimately, every interviewee should take pride in their uniqueness, abilities, and competence. Confidence in one’s own value helps rise above external negativity. Constructive criticism should be welcomed as an opportunity for growth, while unhelpful remarks are best met with calm silence. Above all, avoid ego driven reactions — confidence paired with humility leaves the strongest impression.
The best way to handle cynical expressions is to remain centered, professional, and focused on your value. In doing so, you demonstrate emotional intelligence — a quality employers deeply respect.
This is also applicable for sales persons who are ‘interviewed’ to uncover whether they are capable of understanding the prospect’s problem and have a probable solution.
By Kuppusamy Kanniah
kkuppu48@gmail.com
