Halloween is here, and kids are psyched for sugar rushes and scary costumes. However, year-round, job seekers face their own kind of trick or treat: the job interview. And whether it’s in person or via video, you’ll probably find at least a few interviewers who behave like monsters.
Scared? Don’t be. We’ve got your back.
The soul-sucking vampire
They’re the kind who blasts an endless stream of questions at you. You find yourself trapped, either staring uncomfortably into a webcam or confined within the claustrophobic walls of a small conference room, your eyes fixed on a stark white wall.
It’s unnerving, since you feel as if every word you say is met with skepticism. It’s as though your expertise and knowledge are constantly being called into question. Each inquiry seems to sap a little more of your confidence and enthusiasm, leaving you feeling exhausted and demoralized.
How to deal: “Answering question after question can be draining, but if you want to land the job, you have to get used to talking about yourself and selling yourself,” said LinkedIn career expert Catherine Fisher. “If you’re tackling tough questions about short tenures, career breaks or potentially confusing career moves on your resume, be proactive and address any possible questions head-on. Share what you learned and how it helped inform where you want to go next.”
But, “Don’t inflate,” said Will Sanders, founder and CEO of online recruiting firm Recruiting from Scratch. It’s not uncommon, and leaves job seekers in a bad place when they have to back up their claims. “The manager will want to know if you actually understand what you are talking about.”
The scary clown
This interviewer keeps you on edge. Between the strange questions, weird statements and funny jokes, you’re not sure who you are talking to or how detailed your answers should be. The unpredictability baffles you. You’re not sure when they’re being serious, testing your ability to adapt to strange situations or if they’re checking for culture fit.
How to deal: “Match the scary clown’s energy without losing your focus,” said Laurie Ruettimann, HR consultant and author of “Betting on You: How to Put Yourself First and (Finally) Take Control of Your Career” (Holt). “Use humor strategically and keep your cool during the switch-ups. Demonstrate that you can handle unpredictability, a critical skill in dynamic work environments.”
Kathy Caprino, career and leadership coach and author of “The Most Powerful You: 7 Bravery-Boosting Paths to Career Bliss” (HarperCollins Leadership), urged calm. “Be resilient and be yourself,” she said. “Give them what they are looking for, but stay authentic.”
The mummy
This interviewer is bound up and lacking any visible emotion, appearing detached or emotionally unresponsive. They may not react to your answers with much enthusiasm or show any warmth, making it hard to gauge how the interview is going or if they’re interested.
How to deal: This happens often, according to Sanders, and while it might feel confusing or even intimidating, “stay confident,” he said. Sanders also cautioned against giving long-winded answers in hopes of saying something that resonates.
LinkedIn recently surveyed over 1,000 hiring managers, and enthusiasm was the most crucial factor to them when considering a candidate. Why? Because “companies want to hire people who want to work there,” said Fisher. “Don’t get tripped up by wondering what your interviewer might be thinking; instead, focus on what you can do to convey how much you want the role.”
However, don’t get crazy. “Don’t bend over backward to try to catch an emotional response, which could be counterproductive for you,” said Caprino. “Just because you don’t see a reaction, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t being heard.”
The werewolf
This change-up interviewer wants to see how well you handle stress and pressure. They might throw curveball questions or push you outside of your comfort zone to see if you can keep your composure when things get tough.
How to deal: Don’t let the werewolf have their way with you. “Keep calm and respond quickly. Show the werewolf that chaos doesn’t rattle you,” said Ruettimann. “They’re testing your resilience. Prove that you thrive under pressure.”
Caprino warned against falling prey to the werewolf’s attempts to distract you. “Stick with your message,” she said. “You want them to know about your skills and what you bring to the job.”
If your nervousness is making you uneasy, that’s OK.
“If you feel like you’re getting stumped by some of the questions, just remember to breathe and know it’s OK to ask for clarification or a few minutes to think about a response,” said Fisher. “The interviewer will appreciate a thoughtful answer rather than one you rush through.”
Witches and warlocks
This interviewer may create an enigmatic or slightly challenging environment. You might feel like there’s something they’re not telling you or that there’s more going on behind the scenes. This can make you second guess your responses, wondering if there’s a hidden trick to their questions.
How to deal: Ruettimann recommended engaging thoughtfully and with caution. “Respond thoroughly, peeling back the layers of their questions,” she said. “Show that you’re perceptive and ready to explore complexities, keeping you sharp for hidden challenges.”
Remember that in any circumstance, you are interviewing the employer as much as they are interviewing you.
“Make sure to offer them what you want them to know about you, if there’s not an opportunity to do it while you’re answering their questions,” said Caprino.
