How Interviewers Interpret Micro Expressions to Tell You’re Lying

Have you ever wondered how much of your true feelings you inadvertently reveal during an interview? 

Surprisingly, we often underestimate the extent to which our emotions are on display. In fact, studies show that micro expressions can improve lie detection accuracy by up to 50%. These brief, involuntary facial movements provide a window into our genuine emotions, and when properly analyzed, can help interviewers discern a candidate’s honesty. 

There are seven basic types of micro expressions that transcend cultures, languages, and even species. These universal emotional cues include happiness, sadness, anger, fear, surprise, disgust, and contempt. Each of these micro expressions has its own unique facial muscle configuration, revealing our innermost feelings in a blink of an eye. Like a secret code just waiting to be deciphered, these lightning-fast expressions offer a window into the unfiltered truth of our emotional landscape.

Let’s explore how expert interviewers can use micro expressions to uncover deception, even when candidates are doing their best to conceal their true feelings.

Inconsistencies between expressions can be a strong indicator of deception during an interview. If a job candidate claims to be excited about a particular aspect of the job, but displays a micro expression of disgust or doubt, it could signal dishonesty. An expert interviewer may be trained to recognize such discrepancies, making it easier to assess a candidate’s sincerity and fit for the role.

Rapid blinking or pupil dilation during an interview could signify increased cognitive load or stress, which may be associated with dishonesty. An expert interviewer might pay close attention to these cues when asking critical questions about a candidate’s experience or qualifications. By observing these physiological responses, the interviewer can better gauge the candidate’s truthfulness in their responses.

Asymmetrical expressions can be revealing during an interview, as they might indicate a candidate’s attempt to fabricate or embellish information. An expert interviewer trained in FACS can discern these subtle inconsistencies in facial expressions, allowing them to probe further into areas where a candidate may be less than truthful about their background or capabilities.

Leakage is particularly useful in an interview setting, as it may uncover a candidate’s true feelings or intentions that they wish to conceal. An expert interviewer with experience in micro expression analysis can detect these fleeting moments of emotional disclosure, providing valuable insight into a candidate’s genuine thoughts or concerns about the position.

Contextual clues are essential when using micro expressions to detect lying in an interview. By considering the situational context and the nature of the questions asked, an expert interviewer can better interpret the meaning and relevance of a candidate’s micro expressions. This nuanced approach enables the interviewer to make more informed decisions about the candidate’s honesty and suitability for the role.

Mastering the art of micro expression analysis can be a game-changer for interviewers looking to separate honest candidates from those attempting to deceive. 

By honing their observational skills and understanding the nuances of facial expressions, interviewers can effectively uncover the truth hidden behind carefully crafted responses. So, the next time you’re sitting in an interview, remember that your emotions might be more visible than you think. 

Embrace authenticity and let your genuine feelings shine through, because chances are, an expert interviewer is already reading between the lines.

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This blog is shared with Job Seeker Duetists. 

Written by former recruitment ghostwriter Paul Drury (not AI).