6 Ways To Neutralize Gender Bias On Your Next Interview

6 Ways To Neutralize Gender Bias On Yur Next Interview Although many workplaces and managers are adamant about supporting gender diversity, recent research shows that bias still rears its ugly head in the interview process. In fact, for many male interviewers, the bias is so innate that they are leid even themselves aware of it.So, as a woman, how can you be successful in an interview-- even when you know the deck is stacked against you?1. Project ConfidenceYou can address any doubt than an interviewer might have about your skills with confidence. Interviews make everyone uneasy, and if you seem at all nervous, you may play right into your interviewers stereotypes. The best way to combat nerves is to be prepared. That means you that before the interview you should a) do your research, b) prepare your answers, and c) practiceout loud. If youre walking into an interview without having done at least one hour of preparation, then you are bedrngnis ready.2. Disarm Your InterviewerIn the f irst few minutes of the interview, say or do something that will seriously impress your interviewer. Take him by surprise -- in a good way, and make him glad to be talking to you. There are lots of different ways to accomplish thisYou can cite a fact or a piece of data you are familiar with that is relevant to the discussionYou can reference something that came up in your research about the company -- but NOT something obvious. Choose a tidbit that youve inferred or that would take a long time to uncover.You can reference something interesting about the interviewer personally. For example, if in your research youve discovered that theyre really into sailing andyouhave something interesting to say about sailing, you can draw him in by saying it.Compliment your interviewer. This is trickier because you may not have obvious fodder, but if you know that he worked on a specific product launch for example, you can say, youve made that product so successful. Great work.3. Demonstrate knowl edgeWhen youre answering his interview questions, be sure to get really specific about your past work and assignments. Bring your story to life by talking in detail about the work youve done and howyou personallyadded value. Dont be afraid to say I as opposed to we when youre talking about past projects and accomplishments.4. Be a great listenerLet the interviewer talk, and engage with what hes saying. Let him think hes guiding the conversation -- even though you have an agenda and key talking points youll get across. Ask thoughtful questions about what hes saying so he knows you understand.5. Thank him, but not profuselyDont let your interviewer think you are desperate for this job in any way. Make him wonder whether hed be able to get you for the job. Its just like dating Play a little hard-to-get. If you seem to eager or available, again, youre playing into stereotypes.6. Go easy on yourselfOften, as women, were so tough on ourselves, we make interviews harder and more nerve wrac king than they need to be -- and it negatively impacts our performance. Lower your standards for yourself, and you can bet youll probably still deliver on his. And, youll feel better coming out of the interview -- whether or not you get the job.A version of this article previouslyappeared on Elle.com.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer