Dealing with an Inexperienced Interviewer
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Being prepared for every type of tough interviewer is a great start to your interview preparation. However, most interviewers are not professionally trained and as a result most interviewees have had an experience of coming across an incompetent interviewer of some kind. In these situations interviewees need to be aware that there is a dangerously high possibility that the whole meeting may pass without the relevant information being imparted from them to their prospective employer unless they manage to take control of the situation.
Please read some tips below to help you.
Flustered Interviewer
Problem
The interviewer may have forgotten your scheduled meeting; they are flustered and can't find your CV. They may not have read your CV and are not prepared with questions. Therefore they are likely to start by talking for too long about their experience and the company.
Solution
It is important to be polite but conscious that you have to make an impression within what is probably a limited amount of time. Try to interject when appropriate with relevant information about your experience. For instance 'it's interesting you should mention the Accounts Department is involved in a transition project onto a new system. In my previous company I was head of the transition team for a similar project'. This proactive style will encourage follow on questions and information sharing.
Interruptions
Problem
There are many examples of what these interruptions may be. The phone keeps ringing, there are several knocks on the door, you have to change your meeting room etc
Solution
Take the time you are given to prepare a follow up to the point you were previously making. Make sure the interviewer remembers what you were talking about by saying something like 'as I was saying...' or 'In relation to the point you were making...' You can also take the time to note the office environment and try to find a feature which may be of interest to discuss later. For instance 'I noticed you have a copy of today's Irish Times, did you see the interesting article on....'
Negative Approach
Problem
The interviewer may have had a hard time hiring a suitable person for the position or have hired several unsuitable people who didn't work out. They are probably understandably frustrated and want to cut out the possibility of a time waster.
Solution
It is important to empathise with the interviewer; it can't be an easy task to face. Put them at ease, assure them you find it easy to adjust to new environments, get on with people, and most importantly you can do the job that has been outlined to you. Keep your own agenda in mind also, try and figure out why those people didn't work out? Does the job have unrealistic requirements for the level? Is the pay too low? Is there someone in the office who is hard to get on with? Are the hours very long etc?
Closed Questions
Problem
You don't seem to be getting any points across which you had prepared to impress the interviewer. Although you happy that the answers are sufficient, you are not connecting with the interviewer.
Solution
A 'yes' or 'no' answer to a simple closed question may be perfectly acceptable but it will not get you the offer simply because you are not imparting the correct information to impress the interviewer. It is very important to try and give as many examples as possible in your answers. Go into the meeting with a list of 10-15 pieces of information which you want to discuss before you leave, if relevant fit them into your answers, if not discuss them in your questions. This is your chance to sell yourself.
Shy Interviewers
Problem
The interviewer is uncomfortable being in the spotlight, they are nervous and can't focus on the information they need to get from you during the meeting or even if they like you and would like to work with you.
Solution
Help them feel more comfortable in your company by picking up on the subjects they discuss which interests them. Don't forget that although the interviewer mightn't like attention directed at them you still have to prove you can do the job and that you will fit into the team to them. It is their decision whether to keep you in the interview process or not. As before, always be mindful of your own agenda and the information you wish to impart during the meeting.
