Interviews are stressful at the best of times and the simplest thing can throw you into disarray.
Here are my Top 5 experiences with the interview gremlins
The accidental hang-up in a Zoom Interview
I had just finished my presentation and went to stop the screen share, but I accidentally clicked the wrong button and left the interview. Roll on the next few seconds, or what seemed like hours to me, as I tried to rejoin. Luckily I was able to reconnect and I apologised profusely. According to the interviewer, this happens more than you think.
The impersonal interviewer Any recruitment professional will tell you that it's the interviewer's job to put you at ease and help you settle into the interview. Sadly some interviewers are just impersonal, whether they intended to be or not.
In my case, it puts me off wanting to work for the company. I always remain professional and use it as good interview practice.
The multipart question
This statement sends shivers down my spine, ‘This is a multipart question’. Then they go on to ask you several questions in one go. I believe they are trying to test your ability to take in a lot of detail, but in all honesty, I get lost after the second or third part. Then when you complete your answer, and you ask if you’ve covered everything, they say nothing…… great fun.
I’ve never done that before
This is the most common type of question you are likely to face. The simple solution is to admit that you haven’t got that experience, but you are willing to learn and add it to your experience.
The total brain freeze
You are asked a question that you don't understand, so like any good candidate you ask for the question to be rephrased. Here’s the question that broke me:
*Interviewer *- What wakes you up in the morning?
My brain - An alarm clock, but I know that’s not the answer
Me - Please can you rephrase the question?
Interviewer - What gets you out of bed in the morning?
My Brain - Panic stricks - An alarm clock, or maybe my mobile phone.
Me - I’m really sorry but all I can think of is an alarm clock.
Interview panel breaks out laughing and after a minute, we settled down.
Interviewer - What motivates you?
My Brain - I got this….
You’ll be glad to hear I got a second interview, but sadly not the job.
Unfortunately, we can't help you with the interview gremlins, but we can help you minimise their chances.