Navigating the informal Job Interview

Navigating the informal Job Interview

Navigating the informal Job Interview

Not all job interviews are created equally, and no matter how prepared you are for the difficult questions, scenarios, and intimidation tactics that typically form part of a job interview, nothing can prepare you for the super informal meeting wherein the employer shows no interest whatsoever in your qualifications but seems more interested in showing you photos of his kids and telling you about his latest fishing trip.

It is very tricky to navigate this type of discussion, but it is imperative that you somehow manage to get your qualifications across and make an professional impression without offending the interviewer by seeming uninterested in his topic of choice.

When faced with this situation, do not assume that the interviewer is being friendly because he likes you. It could be that he is using this as a tactic, to see if you are able to take charge of the interview and still make a solid impression. Or, it could be he is just a friendly person, and does this with everyone. You still somehow have to convey your qualifications without offending him.

Whatever you do, do not engage in his playful or friendly manners. Resist the temptation to pull out your own wallet and show off your brood of offspring. It won't pay.

This is actually the most difficult interview situation because you can't possibly prepare for it, and you will carry the burden of guiding the interview in your favor.

Bottom line, be polite, but firm. Explain that you appreciate his desire to make you feel at ease, and that you value his time and therefor wish to proceed with a relevant discussion about your qualifications. Then take the conversation in a direction that will sell you.

Rachel Landry is a professional writer with a background in career transition counseling, and has written two books on the subject.

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