Stay Cool During a Tough Interview: Handling Unique Interview Techniques
When Randy, the owner of a small information technology consulting firm, interviews potential candidates for his business, he looks for enthusiasm and energy level. It is important that the people who come to work for him are as excited about the work as he is and that in turn this energetic spirit flows over to his clients.
He ‘tests’ each potential candidate right from the start of the interview by greeting them in the lobby and inviting them to his office. On the way there, he walks quickly and without stopping or speaking to the job seeker. Once in his office he steps behind his desk and sits. If he is in his chair before the candidate comes through his office door, he deems them too low energy, goes through a ten-minute courtesy interview and ushers them out of the building. So far he has been happy with the results.
On the other hand, Marlena, Director of Marketing for a mid-size service organization, likes to throw things at candidates. But not just anything. In the midst of an interview, she will begin to play with a small wooden cube on her desk. It’s nothing special; just a piece of wood.
Suddenly she’ll look at the candidate, and ask them to catch it. That’s when she tosses it to them. First thing she assesses is their adaptability and comfort with the unexpected, since things are constantly on the move in her department and the best candidates are those that are flexible and let little things roll off their back.
The second thing she does is ask them if they know what it is. If they venture a guess, even if it is mundane, she feels at least they are thinking. Tell her ‘no’, and it’s the end of the interview.
Conventional interviews are important to understanding the types of experiences a job seeker has had. However, for these hiring managers, it is equally important to get a real-life sense of who the candidates are.
While it would be impossible for job seekers to anticipate every strange interview encounter, there are ways to handle such situations.
Don’t Panic
Now would not be the time to begin hyperventilating. In fact, part of the purpose for some of these techniques is to gauge how a candidate reacts under pressure. Candidates should remain calm and professional, smile, and take the time they need to think about exactly what it is they want to say or do.
Pay Attention
Be observant. Part of the interview process is to be engaged and in the moment. And little tricks like what Marlena and Randy use are to keep candidates involved and on their toes.
Don’t Second Guess
Be yourself. Don’t try to figure out the right or wrong answer. Just respond in a way that is natural to you.
Accept the Outcome
It just may be that this position wasn’t the right one. In the end there’s not much anyone can do if they don’t respond the way that a hiring manager had hoped, whether this has to do with interview techniques or interview questions.
Ultimately, strange interview techniques catch most people off guard, so job seekers should feel comfortable in the knowledge that they are probably not the only one who has walked away scratching their heads. However, by relaxing and actively participating in the now, job seekers will have a better chance of handling unique interview techniques.
