It is possible to save an interview by just mixing a bit of tact with some assertiveness. Here are three problem interviewers and see how you can handle them.
The worried interviewer
A worried interviewer comes late completely unprepared. He doesn't see your resume and maybe he forgot today is the interview.-In such a situation give him time to settle down and you may even opt for rescheduling the interview. If you can't get it postponed, walk into the room and tell the interviewer something like this: "May I tell you about me vis-à-vis this job?" You should say this in a friendly and professional tone. The way you handle the situation talks volumes about you and your skills.
The talkative hiring manager
You may have to face a hiring manager who goes on talking about the job, the company and many other things irrelevant to you. You have just an hour to sell yourself. Wait for your chance. At some point or the other, they have to stop to breathe.
Then politely put in a question and answer it yourself. For example, you can say: "How do you describe the work systems in the department? In my last job, I created a worksheet so that team members know what is due when and we could meet the deadlines always.
Another way to trigger a discussion is to give your resume and use it to discuss your skills and accomplishments. But be careful not to rub him on the wrong side. Treat him with respect, but take the opportunity to intervene; otherwise you fail to sell yourself.
The unskilled manger
Perhaps you have to face an unskilled manger. He doesn't know what he is doing. Perhaps he is dragged into the interview. In this case, you may have to teach him how to interview and take control of the interview, but in a subtle manner.
To break the ice, you can ask questions about the company and the job. Give him your portfolio. Think about ways to inform him about your skills, experience, your goal, accomplishments and such other things so that you can turn the interview to your advantage.
You are in the driver's seat
When you run into any of these three situations, you have no choice but to take control of the interview. Be clear about the points you want to make about you and see to it that the interviewer remembers them.
When all is said done, remember job hunt is a process and you should continue networking. This is not the last interview. There are many openings for you. Just work on and you will land the job you cherished most.
