We all have bad days. The alarm doesn’t go off on time, the kids failed to put gas in the car last night and now its past “E,” someone ate the honey whole-wheat bagel you’ve been saving and you’re out of toothpaste. And that’s just the morning.
Just like you, interviewers have bad days. And, there is the occasional interviewer that had a really swell morning but is just a bad egg and likes to make people squirm just for fun. You can’t pick your interviewer, and they have everything to say about whether you get the thumbs up or a kick out the door.
So, how do you get through the interview without A) telling the
miserable jerk off, or B) suffering in silence? Here are some tips to get through the interview and come out smiling:
1. Don’t take the bait. You may not have a nasty interviewer, but just walked into a planned stress interview. Customer service representatives, front desk agents, call center agents, supervisors and managers all have stressful jobs, problem solving all day long with people who can get angry. The interviewer may just be gauging your stress and anger tolerance.
2. Change directions. I’ve had interviewers comment on my clothes, lovely smile, and then suggest we go for a drink after the interview to “to see if I’m right for the job.” If the creep still insists on hitting on you, let him (her) know the conversation is making you uncomfortable and stay focused on the job. If this person is your potential boss, you may want to rethink this
opportunity.
3. Don’t get personal. If it’s obvious that the person is under a lot of stress, don’t point it out or ask about their problems. The interview isn’t about them. You could appear to be prying, getting too personal, or someone who would get into everyone else’s business. You’re not there as a counselor, shrink, mother or coach. Keep it professional.
4. Start on a positive note. One of Dale Carnegie’s principles is simply, “Smile.” Start off with a smile, firm handshake and positive small talk. It’s tough for one person to keep up the grouch attitude if the other is firmly positive.
5. Don’t get defensive. If the interviewer makes fun of your work experience or a company you worked for or some accomplishments you listed for past jobs don’t set out to prove them wrong.
You will never win an argument in a job interview. You can merely state the merits of your work
or what you learned at “Podunk University” and leave it at that.
6. Respectfully decline illegal questions. How many children you have, your age, or where your parents are from may be interesting chit-chat but can be illegal in an interview. Marital status, age and national origin are protected by the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Unless the answers to those questions are job related, you don’t have to answer. Ask the interviewer if that information is required for the job, and if not, you can suggest she go to the next question.
How have you handled a rude interviewer? Share your tips for others in the Comments
section below.
Mary Nestor-Harper, SPHR, is a consultant, blogger, motivational speaker and freelance writer for educationjobsite.com. Based in Savannah, GA, her work has appeared in Training magazine, Training & Development magazine, Supervision, BiS Magazine and The Savannah Morning News. When she’s not writing, she enjoys singing Alto II with the Savannah Philharmonic Chorus and helping clients discover what they love and spend their life on it. You can read more of her blogs at http://www.educationjobsiteblog.com/ and view additional job postings on Nexxt
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