This chapter of The Interviewing Series addresses the common concern of dealing with bad interviewers, especially those who ask bad or irrelevant questions. It reassures listeners that, while it’s possible to encounter a difficult or unprepared interviewer, it’s unlikely that the interviewer is intentionally trying to trip you up. The key takeaway is to give the interviewer some grace, answer their questions to the best of your ability, and not let the outcome affect you too much. The episode offers a reminder that a good attitude and professionalism are often more important than the interviewer’s competence.
The first piece of advice is to answer the question you’re asked, no matter how bad or irrelevant it might seem. Trying to avoid the question or act evasive could backfire, making the situation worse. Even if the interviewer is inept, not answering the question can draw attention to their mistake, which is unlikely to be endearing. Instead, just answer as straightforwardly as possible and move forward.
The second piece of advice is to add something to your answers once the interview begins to warm up. If you feel that the interviewer isn't asking the right questions, take the opportunity to offer a specific example of your skills or achievements that relates to the question. Be mindful of how the interviewer reacts—if they seem irritated, it’s best to refrain from adding more details. This strategy allows you to gauge whether the interviewer is simply inexperienced or uninterested in hearing more from you. Finally, the episode advises not to dwell on the interview outcome. Even if the interview goes poorly, it’s important to move on quickly and not waste energy on frustration.
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