Interview Tips: 5 Tricky Interviewers To Watch Out For

The dream job is just one step away, the Professional CV writing services you sought after paid off as you got that big interview coming up. You are well prepared for the interview, but there is no guarantee about the kind of interviewer you will get.

There are those interviews where you will get the perfect interviewer who will be all relaxed, friendly and approachable. Such kind of an interviewer will help deal with your interview nerves and leaving you to Ace your answers. On the flip side of the coin, there are those that you will be confronted with so much difficulty. Despite the kind of interviewer you come across, you will need their approval for that dream job.

Here are 5 types of interviewers that you are likely to come across in your job search;

1.The Joker

According to Muthoni Ndegwa, Recruitment manager of Corporate Staffing Services, a joker is the type of interviewer who has a huge personality and is not afraid of trying out their new comedy moves on you.

Some jokers will make inappropriate jokes and it is difficult to tell when they are being serious or sarcastic. Such an interviewer will leave you feeling like you are not being taken seriously and demoralize you. “Don’t lose your focus nor get distracted by their games”, advises Muthoni.

2.The “Pressure cooker”

I believe we’ve all come across such kind of an interviewer, that you who exerts so much pressure on you during the interview. This is the kind that will stare down on you, ask tricky questions and/or difficult questions.

“The questions will be phrased in a negative way which will make you feel like you are being investigated rather than being interviewed”, Says Melody Mwendwa Interview Coaching Manager at Corporate Staffing Services. When the questions are phrased in a negative manner, answer them in a positive manner, advises Melody. This not only shows you are up with your game but a person who is quick to think on their feet.

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3.The hyperactive

We’ve all been to interviews where the interviewer is all over the place in terms of the questions they throw at you, there is no systematic sequence of their questions. The questions are a million and one at a time, they keep interrupting your answers with anecdotes.

Their other big characteristic is their continuous and intense head nods as you answer the questions. “The hyperactive kind of interviewer always maintains eye contact at all times”, says Muthoni. Let not the harsh eye contact or the million questions kick you off your balance, bring you ‘A’ game to the table and tackle those questions like a boss.

4.The overly friendly

This is the kind of interviewer you would like to kick it off with and even be best friends for those few minutes you will be engaged in the interview. This is the kind that turns the interview into some casual chit-chat manenos.

50% of the interview will be them asking questions that don’t relate to the job or your skills, rather they will ask questions such as ‘What’s your favorite football team?’ ‘What were you up to on Saturday?’ ‘What’s your kind of music or movies?’. Don’t be fooled by such kind of questions and think they are just out to pass time, advice Melody.

Such casual questions are measuring your personality and/or work ethics. Take them as serious as possible, knowing they determine your job chances, Says Muthoni. Answer the questions as friendly and professional as possible.

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5.The Frowner

Personally, I have come across this kind of interviewer on several occasions. This kind of interviewer for some reasons they always look like they woke up on the wrong side of the bed. They seem irritated, offended or sour.

This kind makes you feel like what you are saying is making her angrier. Your humor attempts to brighten the mood go unnoticed. “Don’t despair, this might just be their tactics to throw you off balance, stay focused and look past her grimy face and angry face, eyes on the prize” advises interview coach Melody.

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Interview coach Melody Mwendwa and recruitment manager Muthoni Ndegwa both agree that it’s important for you as a candidate to be yourself in an interview and shine out. They advise that it’s important to take note of social cues, pace, and tone used by interviewers and adapt accordingly.

Remember, always say that which is true and honest with yourself and not that which they always want to hear. Don’t let their intensity or flippant demeanor rock your boat. Melody and Muthoni caution, don’t take the interviewer’s attitude personally, focus on delivering that which you have been practicing and preparing for.

Are you preparing for an Interview? Do you need inside tips on how to approach it? Talk to our Interview Coach Manager at melody@corporatestaffing.co.ke

The Writer is a Communications Officer at Corporate Staffing Services. Email: elizabeth@corporatestaffing.co.ke