{"id":1603,"date":"2016-11-30T14:54:18","date_gmt":"2016-11-30T14:54:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/tiger-recruitment.com\/?p=1603"},"modified":"2024-10-22T12:13:07","modified_gmt":"2024-10-22T11:13:07","slug":"five-ways-approach-poorly-prepared-interviewer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tiger-recruitment.com\/job-seekers\/five-ways-approach-poorly-prepared-interviewer\/","title":{"rendered":"Five ways to approach a poorly prepared interviewer"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve ever listened to a recruiter\u2019s advice, you\u2019ll know that preparation<\/a> is crucial to a successful interview. But what happens if your interviewer hasn\u2019t extended the same courtesy in their preparation? What happens if you turn up to the interview and it\u2019s quite clear that they simply haven\u2019t completed their homework?<\/p>\n

This is unlikely to be due to disinterest \u2013 it\u2019s more probable that they\u2019re time-poor and suffering the stress of being one team member down. Remember too that interviewing probably doesn\u2019t form the bulk of their normal workload, so they might be completely unaware of the \u2018normal\u2019 protocol.<\/p>\n

We think this is an opportunity rather than a setback: it\u2019s an opening for you to steer the direction and offer information which will help them understand why you\u2019d be the best fit for the job at hand. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n

1. Ask targeted questions<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

An unprepared interviewer may well try to make up for their discomfort by talking all the way through the meeting rather than ask you any questions. If this happens, listen attentively, make mental notes (or real ones if you remembered a notepad), and when the time comes to ask questions<\/a> you can shine. Having listened patiently to this chatterbox for 30 minutes, you will have hopefully picked up on the key requirements for their hire.<\/p>\n

You can then address these requirements in your questions. For example, if cultural fit<\/a> is a concern (or has been), try a query along the lines of, \u2018I\u2019ve seen employees struggle to fit in within a new team before so I understand how difficult it can be for both parties. It\u2019s so important to make an effort in those first few months. What would your recommendations be to a newcomer wanting to make a good impression with this team?\u2019.<\/p>\n

2. Volunteer relevant information<\/strong><\/p>\n

If your interviewer is at a loss for questions (as they clearly haven\u2019t seen your CV), offer to take them through the highlights of your career to date. Let them know that if they\u2019d like you to elaborate on anything that they may feel free to stop you and ask questions. This method should form a favourable interview experience since you\u2019re leading it (!), and can direct the interviewer\u2019s attention to your career highpoints.<\/p>\n

3. Keep focused<\/strong><\/p>\n

Sadly, there are interviewers out there who may not be aware of the legal restrictions imposed on them. They may not realise that they\u2019re not allowed to ask questions about family life, race, national origin, gender identity and so on. If this does happen, try and change the course of the conversation \u2013 they should get the hint! If they persist, inform them you\u2019d like to change the subject.<\/p>\n

4. Stay positive<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re someone who wears their heart on their sleeve, you might struggle to not show your disappointment at your poorly-prepared interviewer. Try not to let them know of your annoyance. Keep smiling, maintain open body language<\/a> and don\u2019t give them any reason to believe you wouldn\u2019t be 100% enthusiastic about joining their company.<\/p>\n

5. Reiterate your suitability for the role before you leave<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your poorly-prepared interviewer probably means you\u2019ve suffered through a highly unstructured meeting. If they waxed lyrical about the business and role, or you suffered in extended silences, don\u2019t worry: you have one final shot to impress. When the time comes to wrap up, thank them for their time, reiterate your understanding of what they need, and finally summarise why your experience would be the perfect fit.<\/p>\n

We wish you the best of luck in your job search<\/a>!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019ve ever listened to a recruiter\u2019s advice, you\u2019ll know that preparation is crucial to a successful interview. But what happens if your interviewer hasn\u2019t extended the same courtesy in their preparation? What happens if you turn up to the interview and it\u2019s quite clear that they simply haven\u2019t completed their homework? This is unlikely<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1604,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,5],"insight-type":[13],"class_list":["post-1603","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-business-support","category-job-seekers","insight-type-article"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFive ways to approach a poorly prepared interviewer<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"You do all of your prep work and you\u2019re ready for your interview! What if your interviewer hasn\u2019t done the same? 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