The Eye Contact Dilemma Every Candidate Faces

Look, this question seems small but it trips up more candidates than you'd imagine. I've watched students give brilliant answers while staring at the table, or lock eyes so intensely with one panelist that others felt invisible. Both extremes hurt you. The good news? There's a simple formula that works every single time, and you can master it in 3-4 mock sessions.

Here's what 18 years of interview prep has taught me: eye contact isn't about where your eyes are. It's about making each panelist feel INCLUDED in the conversation. Get this right, and you'll come across as confident, respectful, and engaging - exactly what IIMs want in future leaders.

The 60-30-10 Rule

When answering a question, distribute your eye contact this way: 60% to the person who asked, 30% to the other panelists, and 10% for natural breaks (looking slightly away while thinking, glancing at your hands briefly).

Why this ratio? The questioner deserves primary attention - they asked, they want to hear your answer, ignoring them feels dismissive. But exclusively focusing on them makes others feel like spectators in their own interview room. That 30% distributed among other panelists keeps everyone engaged. And that 10% of natural breaks? It prevents the "intense stare" that makes people uncomfortable.

Here's how it works practically: Start your answer looking at the questioner. After 2-3 sentences, shift briefly to another panelist for one sentence. Return to the questioner. Then shift to the third panelist. Keep rotating naturally while giving the questioner majority attention. It sounds complicated written down, but it becomes automatic with practice.

The Common Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)

Mistake one: the death stare. Some candidates lock eyes with the questioner and NEVER look away. This feels aggressive and honestly, a bit creepy. If you tend to do this, consciously remind yourself to shift gaze every 10-12 seconds.

Mistake two: the tennis match. Your head swings back and forth between panelists like you're watching a match. This looks nervous and scattered. The solution? Move your eyes, not your head. Small, subtle shifts. Your head should move minimally.

Mistake three: the floor inspector. Nervous candidates often look down while thinking or speaking. This reads as low confidence or dishonesty - neither impression you want. If you need to think, look slightly up and to the side (this actually helps with recall), then return to eye contact when speaking.

Mistake four: ignoring the silent panelist. Often one panelist asks most questions while another stays quiet, just observing. DON'T ignore the quiet one. They're evaluating you too. Include them in your eye contact rotation even if they haven't spoken a word.

Special Situations

What if one panelist is taking notes and not looking at you? Still glance at them occasionally. When they look up (and they will), you want to be making eye contact, not avoiding them.

What if you're asked a tough question and need to think? It's okay to break eye contact briefly while collecting your thoughts. Look slightly up or to the side for 2-3 seconds, then return to the questioner as you begin answering. This looks thoughtful, not evasive.

What about when YOU ask questions at the end? Direct your question to the whole panel initially, then focus on whoever chooses to answer. Include others with brief glances as you listen.

Your Practice Protocol

Set up 3 chairs and place objects or photos on each to represent panelists. Practice answering common questions while consciously distributing eye contact using the 60-30-10 rule. Do this for 15 minutes daily for one week. By day 5, it'll feel natural.

Better yet, do mock interviews with 2-3 friends as panelists. Ask them specifically: "Did you feel included? Did my eye contact seem natural?" Their feedback will calibrate you faster than any theory.

Master this small skill, and you'll project confidence that most candidates miss entirely.

You've got this. Happy Learning! 🙂