Interviewing can be a challenge to your professionalism
No matter how weird or crazy the interview situation gets,
it is in your best interest to “keep your cool.” The
interview process is a professional experience. You are not
there on a social call. You are there to check out a
possible job opportunity. Sometimes unprofessional,
awkward, or embarrassing events occur which can test your
ability to handle yourself.
Out of line – Jeanette was interviewing for a senior
position in Human Resources. Her interview was before a
panel of six people. At the end of the interview, one of
the interviewers asked, “This job requires a lot of
‘cheerleading,’ would you please stand and lead us in a
cheer?” Jeanette was totally caught off guard.
Inappropriateness – Katlyn was dressed very professionally
for the interview. She was enjoying talking with the man
across the desk, as they had a lot of common experiences in
the sales field. All of a sudden, her interviewer leaned
over and looked very serious. “Would you consider going out
with me?” he asked in a low voice. Katlyn didn’t know what
to say.
An Opportunity Missed? Dylan was being interviewed by a
senior manager who had been in the technical industry for
many years. Dylan waited patiently for the questions to
begin, but they never came. The interviewer talked about
himself and the management problems within the
organization. The interview end abruptly when the
interviewer stood, shook Dylan’s hand, and wished him luck.
Standing outside Dylan felt like he had just ridden a
roller coaster. What just happened?
What would you do?
Jeanette – When asked to do something that would put you in
a foolish position, simply smile and comment on the
request, “Sorry, but I don’t think I am dressed to perform
that kind of cheer. But, I can tell you that I am a good
“cheerleader” in another way. I have a proven record
working with, and motivating, people.
Katlyn – It would be in Katlyn’s best interest to think
twice about working for a company, where a company
representative would act so unprofessionally. This is not
only sexual harassment, but could be considered, quid pro
quo. You do something for me, and I will do something for
you in return. She could answer by saying she has a
“personal policy” that she does not date office mates. She
may not get the job, but does she want it?
Dylan – Sometimes interviewers simply don’t know how to
interview. They make a judgment, good or bad, on their
first impression. Many a person has been hired, who was not
screened properly, and failed at the job. Sometimes there
are other factors -Â the job is already promised to someone
else, a relative or former employee. Whatever the reason,
you did not fail, because you were not given a chance. Let
it go.
Unfortunately, things like this happen in interviews. Let
the bad experience go. Move on to a place where you can be
treated as a serious candidate. The most important thing to
remember, no matter what takes place, is that you are there
as a professional to check them out while they are checking
you out.
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Carole Martin, America’s #1 Interview Expert and Coach, can
give you interviewing tips like no one else can. Get a copy
of her FREE 9-part “Interview Success Tips” report by
visiting Carole on the web at http://www.interviewcoach.com
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