5 skills you can learn from poker to ace your next job interview

[ResidentialBusiness]

An overwhelming number of Americans are in the market for a new job. According to a recent Monster poll, 93% of workers think 2025 might be the time to change employers. With an increased number of applications, you could see tougher competition for roles, which makes the interview process even more critical. 

The way you approach the job hunt is similar to how a professional gambler approaches the poker table, says Jamie Wall, casino analyst and body language expert at Gamblizard, a website that evaluates online casinos and their offers. 

“Both are high-stakes situations, considering you really want to land the job or win the game,” he says. “Both follow formal rules, have clear goals, and involve some initial inputs. In poker, it’s the cards you need to play right. In an interview, it’s your experience, which also needs to be presented strategically.”

In both poker and interviews, luck plays a role, but success largely depends on your skills and ability to read others, says Wall. “Thinking this way shifts your mindset toward managing risks and maximizing rewards,” he says. “Plus, viewing the interview as a competitive game, where you and the interviewer are testing each other’s strategies, can spark excitement and drive, replacing anxiety with a sense of challenge.”

Before you go into your next interview, consider these poker-inspired tips that could help you stand out from the crowd of other candidates.

1. Read the Room

At the poker table, players try to read their opponents so they can adjust their game. In the interview process, the goal is to build a rapport with the person interviewing you by matching energy and gestures. Wall recommends “reading the room” by picking up on non-verbal cues that help you adjust your actions.

“In-person interviews give the full spectrum of information: facial expressions, posture, movements, and real eye contact,” he says. “For example, engagement can be shown by the interviewer leaning forward or maintaining consistent eye contact.”

Mirroring someone’s movements can help forge a subtle connection. Just don’t be blatant about it.

If your interview is on video, Wall suggests looking for micro-expressions, which are involuntary facial movements that can reveal someone’s true thoughts. Raised eyebrows, for example, could indicate that the interviewer is surprised by your answer. You may want to take this as a clue to provide more information.

If your interview is over the phone, Wall says tone, pacing, and pauses become the primary indicators. “A quick intake of breath might mean they’re eager to interject or intrigued by your answer,” he says. “Unusually long pauses [mean that they’re] skeptical or distracted.”

2. Maintain a Poker Face

You may think having a poker face means being blank and expressionless, but Wall says it’s about controlling your emotions in high-pressure situations. Fortunately, this is a skill you can practice with friends, such as trying to keep a straight face while engaging in a heated debate when emotions want to break through, he says. 

In an interview, a poker face is useful during tough or unexpected questions. For instance, instead of nervously tightening your lips, looking down, or mumbling, maintain steady eye contact, take a pause, and answer with a calm tone to project confidence, says Wall. 

“You don’t need to stay neutral the whole time,” he says. “Show enthusiasm, smile, and connect authentically when it feels right. A poker face is just a tool to help you stay composed when it matters most.”

3. Use the ‘Check-Raise’ Strategy

In poker, a “check-raise” is when a player starts off weakly, then surprises their opponent with a strong move later. They may match bets in early rounds to keep people in only to go all in at the end. 

You can use this strategy in interviews by downplaying your strengths in areas where you exceed. This often prompts the interviewer to dig deeper, giving you a chance to provide a well-prepared and impressive response that catches their attention, says Wall. 

“The main danger of this strategy is withholding information that could be critical for decision-making,” he says. “To minimize risks, hold back only information already in your résumé and always leave an opening to elaborate, like ‘One thing I’d also like to highlight [is]. . . .’”

Wall says this strategy works best when withholding doesn’t underplay your potential. For entry-level candidates, where every detail matters, the risk is higher and likely not worth it.

4. Bluff (When Appropriate)

Bluffing is a common technique used in poker. For example, only places a bet when they have a strong hand, they might throw off their opponents by raising big on a weak hand once in a while, says Wall.

You can also bluff in an interview. While you don’t want to outright lie, it’s possible to polish or reframe the narrative around your skills and knowledge by building on a truthful foundation. If you’re asked about your proficiency in a skill you’re still learning, Wall suggests saying, “I’m quick to pick up new skills, like I did with [X related skill].” 

“This shows eagerness and flexibility, keeping the conversation positive while subtly showcasing your strengths,” he says.

A foolish bluff, on the other hand, is making a wild move that doesn’t align with your story. “Never bluff about hard skills, certifications, or major accomplishments that can be easily verified or are essential for the role,” says Wall. “But when it comes to things like reasons for leaving a previous job, gaps in your résumé, or your motivation for applying, a bit of creative storytelling can work to your advantage.”

5. Make Your Final Bet

At the end of the interview, Wall recommends placing your final bet.

“Just like the last bet in poker can win you the game, ending your interview on a high note can boost your chances,” he says. “Show enthusiasm and reinforce your value by saying something like, ‘Thanks, I really enjoyed the interview. While I’m exploring other options, this one stands out.’ This demonstrates you’re invested, confident, and aware of your worth.”

Sometimes the cards fall in your favor, and sometimes your “opponent” wins. The key for landing that next job is to stay in the game.

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