Job interview: 3 types of interviewers and how to respond to them

For most job applicants, being interviewed by a recruiter is a somewhat intimidating step in the hiring process. However, careful preparation for any possibility can help reduce the stress and uncertainty generated by the situation. Since there are different types of interviewers, it can be worth planning different types of responses, tailored to the style of the individual conducting the interview. 

Here are 3 types of interviewers and some tips to convince each of them to hire you.

Dealing with an untalkative interviewer

Some interviewers are not particularly talkative. They only seem to want answers to a defined set of interview questions, with no real opportunity to broaden the conversation. These rather distant individuals are generally very rigid and process-oriented. They usually take a lot of notes on the candidates, with whom they will very rarely make eye contact. Of course, it can be unsettling to meet this kind of character during a job interview.

When dealing with this type of interviewer, it is important to provide clear and concise answers and avoid discussing topics that are not directly related to the subject-matter at hand. It is also important to speak slowly so that the interviewer has enough time to take accurate notes on your answers.

Being interviewed by a long-winded individual

Even if the weather and your favourite film have little to do with the job offer you applied and are being interviewed for, these are the types of topics you may want to discuss with some very talkative recruiters. Unlike the uncommunicative interviewer mentioned above, the "chatterbox" will not hesitate to tell you about his or her career path within the company while asking you about your skills and professional background.

Faced with this type of individual, you will have to try to keep the conversation going and keep up with the flow, while keeping in mind the ultimate goal of the interview: landing a job. Being able to discuss and express yourself on different topics is certainly a valuable interpersonal skill, but you have to find a way to showcase your other qualities and demonstrate what you can do for the employer in concrete terms.

Interviewing with a disorganized interviewer

Although most interviewers are rigorously prepared for an interview, including having reviewed the candidate's CV, some of them will be very unprepared. They arrive late, forget their equipment, don't remember reading your CV and let you go home with a feeling that you've wasted your time. This type of situation can occur in companies where the human resources department is overwhelmed.

As a candidate, this kind of situation can be very frustrating since you will feel like the only one taking the interview seriously. However, it is important to maintain control and hammer your message in an optimistic way. Showcase your most relevant skills and successes by giving concrete examples. Finally, why not bring an extra CV with you in case the interviewer forgets his or her copy?

Be prepared for all possibilities and adapt to the interviewer

In conclusion, the candidate with the best chance of succeeding is the one who can adapt his or her approach to the type of interviewer in front of them. However, this requires careful preparation and the ability to change your strategy.

For more advice on hiring interviews, or to receive support in your job search process, contact the Fed Finance team. With a solid reputation in Montreal, our team of recruiters will help you find a position that meets your expectations.