15
Interview post-modem...
I just had my third round of interviews for a job opportunity in my field of work. The interviews have been great until this last one... There were three executives on the interview panel. The interview seemed to go smoothly but I noticed one of the interviers was not participating at all. She didn't say anything to me or the other interviewers. She didn't even have a closing question. She just stared at me the whole time! I'm perplexed! Was her role just to observe body language or was it a stress test?
I had a great rapport and easy conversation with the other 2 interviewers and the position is a great match for me. But why would I want to work for a company that allows this type of unusual interview behavior (or intimidation tactic)?
Your thoughts, please!
MJP
195
02/09/20 at 2:26AM UTC
I recently had a somewhat similar experience.
In the final interview I was sat next to the one person that hadn't been in the earlier rounds. I introduced myself and noticed she seemed a little distant - she didn't smile or make eye contact. The two other interviewers led the meeting and she never spoke unless asked to do so by one of them.
I asked a question to the group that they directed to her. When responding, she not only avoided eye contact again, but turned away from me. I tried to lean over a little to look at her as she was speaking, but she turned so far away that I couldn't even see her face anymore despite sitting next to me.
She never fully turned back, nor did she speak again for the rest of the interview.
I wasn't offered the job as they decided to go with an internal candidate - I later realized it was her! Although it helped explain why, as the other final candidate, she was so cold, I still found it unprofessional.
On another note, I've been on interviewing teams with people who preferred to take notes as it helped them focus on the responses and/or ensure the group covered everything planned. They only jumped in to ask about content that had been missed or not explored in enough depth - if there weren't any gaps, they just didn't jump in much.
So I agree - I think my experience was an exception not likely to be repeated. But it doesn't make it feel any better when you're actually experiencing it! My gut is that it wasn't an intimidation tactic, but an awkward setup.
If you're really worried about that company now, consider following up to ask about their culture. It may help you get a better sense of if it is a place you can see yourself.
Barb HansenStartup Product, Growth & Strategy
9.66k
02/05/20 at 8:56PM UTC
Sometimes one or two of the interviewers capitalize on the conversation and there is no room or questions left for the 3rd interviewer - it might not have had anything to do with you.
AustenVeteran Pharma and Biotech Consulting Leader
222
02/05/20 at 5:30PM UTC (Edited)
If you take yourself out of the 'interview mode' and think about it like any other activity, remember each employee is a human - they could have had the worst morning/month/situation happen and a smile was too much energy to use. After all - we work with people who have personalities, lives, experiences. We never know what is happening there. Another thought - maybe she was a seat filler for someone, maybe she had urgent things happening, oh my - the list goes on. Interviewing is stressful for those of us looking...and every employee is stretched to do so much work these days... I wouldn't take it personally. Hang in there. You never know, that person could turn out to be a great colleague if you work at that company!
Heather Masters
15
02/04/20 at 6:38AM UTC
Thank you so much for your feedback. At this point in my job search (7 no. In) I tend to be overly critical over analyze everything. I'm praying for an offer!
Paula R. JosephSource/Manage/Coach/Scale High Performance Teams
1.04k
02/03/20 at 7:43PM UTC
I'd suggest you continue on with your pursuit of this job if you still believe it's the right job for you. This person may be someone you never see again, so don't let the one encounter ruin your perception of the company. The person may have just gotten some bad news, not feeling well or just thinking about something else; in other words nothing to do with you or the interview. I'd hate to see you take yourself out of the running for something that may turn out to be unrelated to the interview.
If you do get an offer, the ball is now in your court. Feel free to ask if that person will be in your department or management structure. If so, ask the person making the offer if there was any feedback from that interviewer that's relevant to the job offer. If no, and all the other factors are what you want, take the job and make it the best job ever. Good Luck!
