They can frequently point out your weaknesses or problem areas; constantly interrupt you in mid-sentence and not allow you to finish what you were saying; try to intimidate you with their greater knowledge of your field; continually disagree with you; or be generally rude, belligerent, or antagonistic. These tactics are especially effective when there are two or more interviewers evaluating you at the same time.
In this setting, some job-seekers become so flustered or angry that they lose control and forget how they were trying to present themselves. Others are able to maintain their composure because they understand what an interviewer is trying to achieve and the gamesmanship that's involved.
If you meet this type of interviewer, demonstrate your mettle by "rolling with the punches."
Other methods for inducing stress, as well as to observe how assertive or submissive someone is, are to seat an applicant in a wobbly or squeaky chair or so that the sun is glaring into his eyes. Since no one wants to be interviewed under these conditions, continue the conversation while moving your chair to a different location or sitting in another one. These measures always gain an interviewer's respect.
A third technique is the introduction of silences. Here, an interviewer won't say anything after you've answered his question. He'll just stare at you. Many job-seekers become anxious under this condition and grope for things to say. Sometimes they end up revealing information that they later regret.
These silences are easy to manage. First of all, they usually don't last for more than 15 or 20 seconds, so just look back at the interviewer while slowly counting to 20. You have answered his question. It's now up to him to continue the conversation.
If these 20 seconds seem like a long period of time and you want to break the silence, ask the interviewer a question. More than anything else, an interviewer will be using a silence to test you, to see how you handle yourself. By proceeding as above, you'll always make a favorable impression and win the interviewer's approval.
A certain type of interviewer may present a difficult situation. He's the one who is very friendly, lighthearted, and casual. He'll usually start the conversation by discussing a recent news item or topic of public interest. He'll also be in no rush to change the subject and discuss the position or your background.
In this situation many job-seekers wonder when the small talk will end and when "the interview" will begin. It already has! This interviewer is just more interested in learning about your personal qualities than he is in your work experience. He's looking to see if the right chemistry exists, if you're the type of person for the job and the company. If the interviewer decides that you're not, he'll adjourn the meeting quickly.
Once this interviewer begins to examine your background, he'll repeatedly compliment you and agree with what you're saying. The purpose of this is to make you feel confident and at ease, so that you'll drop your guard and volunteer information about yourself, especially concerning your problem areas. People are always more willing to discuss their liabilities when assured that they have gained someone's respect.
If you find yourself with such an interviewer, don't be taken in by his inviting style. Understand his technique and conduct yourself accordingly
