Selker Leadership

Has this ever happened to you?

You get the call from an executive recruiter about a very senior level position that fits your background perfectly. You make it through the executive recruiter’s screen and are set to meet with the company’s top executive.

After some rapport building chit chat, the executive says that he has some very hard questions to ask and hopes that you are ready. You sit up a little straighter, make direct eye contact, all synapses firing and then….he proceeds to do all the talking for the next hour and half! After one question, he monopolizes the entire interview, until he stands up, shakes your hand and walks you to the door where you’re left wondering how he can make any kind of decision about you given that you barely spoke during the entire 90 minute “interview”. Congratulations, you have been struck by what we like to call: Bad Interviewer Style #1 - “Blabbermouth”

This is a true story relayed to me countless times. In my 20 years of working in the executive search world, I have had the privilege of working with the top levels of management and I am still amazed at how many of them lack basic interviewing skills. As a matter of fact, I have spent much of my career coaching and training people on how to overcome Bad Interviewers and still get the necessary information across the table.

Candidate Tip: Politely interrupt “Blabbermouth” and relate what he is saying to your experience. When he takes a breath, try saying, “Interesting you should be talking about this because in my experience…” This will give the control of the conversation back to you and allow you to convey your qualifications.

Bad Interviewer Style #2 - “Clueless”
This is the person who comes into the room at least 5 minutes late and seems surprised to even be there. They have obviously not read your resume and may need to be reminded of what role they are interviewing. Completely unprepared, this person will proceed by asking a number of bumbling and usually irrelevant questions. A favorite cover is “I have your resume but why don’t you tell me in your own words about your background.”

Candidate Tip: When “Clueless” gives you the floor, tell the story of your career with fully prepared bullet points and anecdotes that touch on key accomplishments, leadership attributes and values.

Bad Interviewer Style #3 - “Apathetic”
This is the person who acts like she couldn’t care less about your interview – whether true or not. “Apathetic” asks questions, but she’s not really listening, and reads every new email and checks her Blackberry whenever it vibrates. Or she doesn’t ask any follow up questions to dig deeper or for clarity. “Apathetic” will most likely answer a call during the interview, or step out to ask a co-worker breezing by an “important” question. The irony is that these people usually view themselves as expert interviewers and are the hardest to coach.

Candidate Tip: Make it personal with “Apathetic” by having her talk about how this position impacts her job and her goals. Even “Apathetic” people will talk about themselves. Then you can explain how your experiences will help her achieve her goals. She’ll be hooked.

Bad Interviewer Style #4 - “Bully”
My personal favorite. After the initial friendly banter and surface level questions designed to lull you into a false sense of security, he attacks. The interview is now an interrogation. He seems to doubt every answer, and you keep waiting for him to turn off the lights and bring out the spotlight.

The “Bully” will defend his actions by stating that “stress” methods always uncover the most information, and believes that candidates should be put through their paces. The “Bully” takes pride in his attack mode interview style.

Candidate Tip: Stand your ground, breathe deeply, maintain a sense of humor and don’t be intimidated. Acknowledge the importance of the topics of his questions. Try saying, “I do want to answer your question but it would be helpful for me to understand some background about why this is critical for you.” This will deflate “Bully” and give you a better handle on things.

The most important thing to remember in overcoming each of these Bad Interviewing styles, is that this is your interview and your opportunity. Your mission is to have the interviewer, even if they are a Blabbermouth, Clueless, Apathetic or a Bully, leave with a strong, positive experience of who you are.

Interested in more candidate tips? Join us for our upcoming August 27th webinar “How To Maximize Your Interview.”