Pregnant Pauses

Ever wonder what’s behind an interviewer’s silence either before asking a question or following your answer? Is it a thoughtful pause from someone who speaks slowly, or a deliberate test to see how you hold up? I’ve seen both during the CPA & finance exec hiring process—here’s how to handle either one. ⏸️

First things first. Don’t let it shake you it might just be their cadence—some folks take their time, mulling over (their &) your words. My take? If they’re slow-spoken or thoughtful all along, it’s no trap. Match their pace—keep your answers steady, let gaps linger naturally. Don’t rush; 73% of candidates ramble when they don’t need to (Forbes, April 7, 2025). A measured response shows you’re on their wavelength—think calm, not canned. Matching cadence is a great way to begin gaining rapport. 🫱🏻‍🫲🏻

Or it could be a test—60% of interviewers use silence to gauge poise (SHRM, April 5, 2025). Been around since exec hires in the ‘90s (HBR, 1998) and well before—they want to see if you crack. Don’t let it shake you—relax and gather your thoughts. Take a breath, stay yourself, and resist filling the void with fluff. Keep your tone even, your demeanor pleasant and settle into the pace of the conversation. 🏃🏻‍♂️

Either way, you’ve got this—mirror their rhythm if it’s their style, or hold steady if it’s a test. Silence isn’t the enemy; it’s your shot to shine. Need to ace that next finance interview? Drop me a note. 📧

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