How to Still Have a Stand-Out Interview With a Bad Interviewer

During an interview, you work hard to leave everything on the table. Yet, despite being highly qualified, you might still face rejection after multiple rounds . This can be confusing and frustrating.

Don’t overthink it or beat yourself up. A bad interview is not always your fault. HR expert and founder of Balangize , Lashaunique Plummer, explains that sometimes, it can come down to an awful interviewer— even in HR . In most companies, there is no training for first-time interviewers or even managers who conduct interviews.

“If an interviewer is untrained or even just plain distracted, they’ll ask terrible questions that leave them with unanswered questions,” she said. “There is no way they can make the most informed decision on your candidacy or your amazing value.”

As a job seeker, understanding the anatomy of a perfect interview is crucial. This way, you can excel even when circumstances or interviewers are less than ideal. You can win over even the most distracted or untrained interviewer.

“Whether you land the job or receive the pay you want, with the perfect interview, the outcome won’t rest in the hands of someone else’s shortcomings,” Plummer said. “In fact, if you nail these three things, then they will be throwing money at you so they don’t lose you!”

Luckily, you can still land the job, even with a bad interviewer with three simple steps.

Make an Amazing Opening Statement

Your opening statement should be compelling, concise, and clear. When your introduction is clear and to the point, it answers critical questions such as, “Why this role?” and “Why right now?”

A strong opening statement lays the groundwork for the rest of your interview, even if the interviewer is unskilled. It ensures that you present yourself as the best candidate for the job. Showcase enthusiasm, knowledge of the position and company, and a willingness to learn.

Provide Examples With Impact

Even in a clumsy interview process, don’t be afraid to brag about your successes. Share top examples of your previous work that showcase metrics and high impact.

By highlighting measurable accomplishments, you’ll demonstrate your experience level and impress the hiring manager. Pro-tip: Keep a list of measurable achievements handy. This might include revenue earned, clients or projects managed, or social media growth achieved in previous roles.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Asking questions is critical in deciding if a role is the right fit for you. It can also highlight to an unskilled or bad interviewer that you’re the right fit for their company.

Consider asking questions like: What are some challenges people in this role or on this team encounter? How does the company measure progress and provide feedback? What does the career path for someone in this role look like? These questions show you are interested and a critical thinker.

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