Interviews can go wrong for many reasons, including inconsistency between what you say during the interview and what your resume says. But what about bad interviews that have nothing to do with you but everything to do with the interviewer?
Here are four interview situations when you may decide that the job is not worth pursuing:
Lack of Communication
Alison showed up fully prepared for the interview. The first interviewer demanded to know, “why should we hire you?” Alison explained that she presumed they needed someone with her skills and background, but to answer that question, she would like more information about what the job entailed and her role in the company. The interviewer dismissed her concerns and refused to go on with the interview. Was this job worth pursuing? Not for Alison. She felt trapped by a lack of information and communication during the interview; she considered how she would feel when working for a company that continually blind-sided her.
Different Work Styles
John went for a marketing interview in a small company. The first was with the head of the company, who kept pressing John to argue. The company head said, “I can be stubborn. I like people who fight me. Why don’t you fight me?” John decided he would rather work for a boss who preferred collaboration to a fight. Was this job worth pursuing? Not for John; you might feel differently and like the challenge.
Different Values
Fern brought her before-and-after portfolio with her for a job interview. She intended the examples to show her skills. However, the interviewer walked off with one of her portfolio items and clearly copied it without Fern’s permission for his own company’s use. Fern received a job offer but turned it down. Was this job worth pursuing? Not for Fern. She wanted to work for an ethical company, not one that started the interview by stealing her work.
Inflexibility
Ralph was selected for an interview as a data analyst, but the company wanted him to perform a major data analysis first and write up a comprehensive report. This work would take Ralph at least a week, and the company did not offer compensation. The company would benefit from his free work, whether or not they hired him. Ralph felt that the request was unreasonable and meant that the company would keep being unreasonable after they hired him. Was this job worth pursuing? Not for Ralph. Remember, you do not have to give an interviewer information or free work just because they demand it.
Disorganization
Bonny showed up for the interview on time. No one else did. Her first interview was delayed a half-hour; the second interviewer could not be found, causing another half-hour delay; the third interviewer, brought in to replace the second, had never seen her resume and did not know anything about the job she was applying for. Worse yet, no one apologized. Was this job worth pursuing? Not for Bonnie. She feared that such a disorganized company was doomed to failure; she also believed a company could only improve if they recognized and admitted their mistakes.
Conclusion
The most basic requirement for a good interview is that both parties treat each other with respect. As the interviewee, you want to dress appropriately, put down the phone, pay attention, answer questions clearly, and be polite throughout. But companies also have an obligation to communicate as reasonable human beings (not adversaries), treat you and the products of your work professionally, negotiate in good faith, treat you well, and apologize when they treat you poorly.
For support in preparing yourself for an interview and for a professional resume, please contact Robin’s Resumes® today.