How should an interviewer handle silence during an interview?

Allowing periods of silence during an interview is a critical technique that can facilitate deeper thought and encourage the interviewee to share more information. When an interviewer remains silent after a question, it provides the interviewee with the space to reflect on their answers, which can lead to more thoughtful and comprehensive responses. This technique acknowledges that the interviewee may need time to process their thoughts or recall information, ultimately leading to more detailed disclosures.

Silence can also create a psychological effect where the interviewee feels the pressure to fill the void, often leading them to disclose additional information that they may not have initially intended to share. This can be particularly useful in forensic interviews, where obtaining detailed and accurate information is essential.

In contrast, immediately breaking the silence can disrupt the interviewee’s thought process and may cause them to rush their responses, potentially resulting in incomplete or less meaningful information. Filling the silence with personal anecdotes dilutes the focus on the interviewee and can steer the conversation away from the important topics at hand. Using silence as a tactic for intimidation can lead to an adversarial atmosphere, which is counterproductive to building rapport and trust required for a successful interview. Thus, allowing for natural pauses in conversation fosters a more conducive environment for gathering important information.