How would you interpret this style of interview

Jonnytwotimes

Been to a few interviews in the last 2 weeks and a few over the years and they pretty much ran how I expected however this one today had me totally confused. Im not sure if the interviewer was testing me or not as he was a bit of Jeckyll and hyde.

It was for a trainee management position. Within the first 5 minutes he said it was obvious I did not have all the experience required as I would have said certain things in my answers, I thought I was finished there and then. Sometimes he would smile and make me feel comfortable but more often that not he would cut me off mid answer, something I never experienced before. At one point when I went to answer a question he said "no I did not ask you about that" without letting me finish as I was getting to the answer he wanted. I did not know whether to defend myself and tell him it was related to the answer but I not want to come across rude.

At times I found him very condescending but he also complemented me and offered me a trial. He also offered good advice for my trial and stated he would normally never give interviewees that type of advice or information. I got the impression he liked me but in a weird sort of way. I have another interview tomorrow and know dont know what to expect ?

I have never attended an interview of this type in my life which has left me puzzled.

InsideInsurance

What size of organisation is it? Do you know their reputation?

Personally I would be concerned of any interview where they say I don't have the experience necessary and then offer me a trial unless that was right at the start and I aced it from that point on.

lincroft1710

InsideInsurance wrote: »

Personally I would be concerned of any interview where they say I don't have the experience necessary and then offer me a trial unless that was right at the start and I aced it from that point on.

I think this may have been a ploy to see how the candidate reacted, keeps their dignity and demonstrates otherwise or bottles out or even becomes defensive and hostile.

Jonnytwotimes

There were one or two areas where admittedly my experience lacked. However in other areas my experience was strong. This happened in the beginning. It is a large national organisation with branches into the four figures and they are reputable. They are willing to train up the right candidate in certain areas by sending them on courses to get industry recognised qualifications as well as onsite training as well.

JackyO

I would bet that, as they are a large, reputable organisation (so you say...) and the fact that the interview is not the last stage, as it presumably is with most other roles you are applying for, that it is a 'test' of sorts. If it is obviously not a scam then go for it - perhaps you can ask the interviewer about his technique one day

Janey7

If he interrupts and says your answer is not relevant to the question, you are well within your rights to politely say that you would like to continue as you feel that the point you are making is relevant. With any reasonable person, that surely should not damage your chances. It's strange he said you didn't have all the experience required - the very fact you got to interview shows that you met their criteria for the job!

It might be a little mind game to see how you deal with challenging people. Or it could just be that he is not very good at conducting interviews. Hope it goes well tomorrow at any rate!

LTL

Interviews I have gone for have a similar aspect. It's a good way of seeing how an interviewee reacts.

React defensively = bad/negative; Actually I do think I have the experience/answered the question etc.

React positively = good; Although I may not have the same level of experience as other candidates, I do have experience which relates to the job and one of my key strengths is my ability to learn. My positive, consistant approach means I can take on the extra responsibility.

The market is awash with people who have the right skills - employers are looking for people with the right attitude (from a business perspective.)