In an economic climate where unemployment rates are hitting double-digits, preparing for an interview can make all the difference. The interview room has become a much more demanding place and you need to be prepared for who might be on the other side of the table.
The Interrogator
You will not recognize this person immediately but once the questions start rolling they won’t stop. The Interrogator will have a list and will go over it meticulously.
+ To prepare yourself, pop in your favorite TV courtroom drama and relax. This will put you in the mindset of being calm, cool and collected in the interrogation room. The interrogator will be more interested in the answers you give than how you come across, so stay poised and answer the best you can.
The Comedian
The Comedian will be easy spot as he is usually loud and animate. He will continually tell jokes throughout the interview. Though he may not be aware, he looking to see how you respond to his wittiness.
+ If you are keen on telling jokes you should respond by telling your own. If you can get the Comedian laughing, you will be in a good position for being hired. If you aren’t so humorous, make sure to keep up with him and interject comments to stay in the game.
The Chatterbox
We’ve all met them. They are the ones who will not stop telling you about their kids or what they just ate for lunch. Any comment you make leads to a story about something they did or an opinion they have.
+ Keep your answers short and sweet. Since the interviewer will be doing most of the talking, make sure what you say leaves an impression. Don’t interrupt the Chatterbox too often as it could rub him the wrong way.
Mr. Casual
This one will immediately tell you to be comfortable and to view this as a casual dialogue. Though it is always a good idea to relax a bit, don’t forget that you’re still being interviewed.
+ Don’t lean back, kick off your shoes and throw your feet on the table. Your interviewer wants to get a preview of how you might act in the workplace on a day-to-day basis. You need to act professional but also be easygoing and social.
The Dork
You might be able to spot this one even before he opens his mouth. He will be socially awkward and might reference things that you know nothing about.
+ There is not much you can do to prepare for him. You just need to be polite and try to be as responsive as possible. Look for some common ground and try to steer him away from unfamiliar territory.
Now Get Out There!
Knowing who is going to be asking you the questions, however, is only half the battle. Make sure you prepare yourself by doing some research about the company, dressing well for the interview and practicing your responses to the most commonly asked interview questions. Keep in mind that the skills you build up for one interview will go along with you to any other interviews as well.
