If you’ve ever sat across the desk from someone who can’t ask the right interview questions, you know how uncomfortable the situation can be when it is handled poorly. For many job seekers, their perception of a company’s image can change dramatically as a result of a job interview.
Some of the common turn-offs cited by job candidates include:
• The interviewer didn’t read the resume prior to the meeting.
• Distractions by phone calls, staff interruptions or BlackBerry messaging.
• Inappropriate comments or inappropriate questions.
Simply because someone is in the role of interviewer doesn’t mean they are capable of doing it well. Even worse, if the interview is for a job or company you really want, it is up to you to salvage the interview and make it work in your favor. Bad interviewers are typically unfocused and unprepared. Sometimes they talk too much, other times the air hangs heavy with awkward pauses. If you are still determined to get the offer despite the interviewer’s obvious dysfunctions, here are some suggestions for damage control.
1. Have additional copies of your resume for the interviewer who has misplaced this important document.
2. Make eye contact and smile in a friendly way. Keep a poker face during awkward moments—no eyebrow raising, frowns or chilling stares.
3. Don’t let uncomfortable silences go on too long. Have some questions ready and ask them in a relaxed manner. For example: “What is a typical day like?” Try to ask questions that are not yes or no oriented.
4. If you think the interviewer hasn’t uncovered your strengths or why you are a good candidate, steer him or her in the right direction: “Well, it certainly sounds like my background is a good fit, I wanted to mention that I…” and then go into further detail.
5. Coax the interviewer to open up. Ask about his or her tenure at the company. If the response is boring, you should still appear interested; nod at appropriate intervals.
6. Ask if there are other people who are involved in the hiring decision. By meeting others you may be able to gauge if the interviewer is an oddball and everyone else seems great, or you might learn that their overall company culture isn’t for you.
7. Don’t let “wild card” questions rattle you. These are questions like, “What flavor ice cream cone are you?” Questions like this are asked to see if you can think on your feet, or just because the interviewer is quirky. There is no right or wrong answer, so just gather your thoughts and do the best you can.
8. Inquire about the next step. The bad interviewer may not tell you what will happen next. If you want the job, show interest and enthusiasm and say you are available for further interviews.
9. Flattery helps. Bad interviewers don’t usually know they are bad interviewers. As you depart, tell him or her, “It was a pleasure meeting you. I really enjoyed hearing about this opportunity, it seems ideal. You offered some good insight about this organization.” People like hearing nice things about themselves and your goal is to get beyond this horrible interview.
10. Finally, think long and hard about working at this company. Smart organizations usually have qualified people in hiring roles. If you interviewed with an HR manager with poor people skills, that’s not a good sign. If the interview was a line manager or someone directly involved in the position, be sure you think you will be able to get along with this individual on a daily basis. Don’t talk yourself into a bad opportunity. Remember, you still have to go to work there everyday and, in any economy, people are an employer’s most valuable asset.
Nancy Schuman is a vice president at Lloyd Staffing, headquartered in Melville, and is the author of eight how-to books on career guidance and job-search techniques. Lloyd Staffing offers temporary, contract and full-time employment services on a regional and national basis. Send your career-related questions to [email protected].