Know Your Interviewer’s Profile

And You Will Almost Never Be Defeated!

I thought about the expression “Know Your Enemy” and realized I needed to know my interviewer’s profile to be more successful during job interviews. This past month, I went to a few job interviews and was really surprised by how well and how badly I did. The positions were all similar, but the interviewers’ profile was different every time.

Trying to improve, I figured that if I could spot my interviewer’s profile prior to the interview, I could adapt better and make it!

Here are 5 interviewer profiles I’ve encountered during my job search and how to recognize them so you can be better prepared for your interview!

Know your interviewer’s profile and you will almost never be defeated.

The cheap interviewer:

The cheap interviewer usually is an independent worker or a small business owner looking for help and not finding it. They usually offer part-time hours and a low salary because they can’t afford it. 

Last week I went to an interview with a cheap interviewer. He told me how he had employees before and had to fire them (implied his business didn’t take off; reassuring). He showed me my “office” which was a beautiful room with a table, a kitchen chair, a bed and about 30 binders on the floor. Then, he picked up the “Hello Kitty” one to show me what he would need me to do. Are you serious, Hello Kitty binders?

One third of the time was spent on figuring out which governmental unemployment incentive he could get if he hired me because, again, cheap interviewers can’t really afford you.

Preparing for this type of interview is easy. Interviewers want to know if they will get along with you since you will most likely be the only employee. Don’t expect technical questions, but more concrete scenarios to see how you would react. It can be nice to work for one person. It probably is a little less formal and stressful than in a large corporation. However, prospects and promotions will be non-existent.

Know your interviewer’s profile and you will almost never be defeated.

The “too” official interviewers:

Other interviews are organized in a panel around a large oval table with more eyes that we can bear, in a too bright meeting room and a flag. I’ve been applying for basic part-time entry-level positions. I’m always surprised by how hiring for such common positions, that don’t require many technical skills or education, create as much fuss as hiring a manager or an engineer.

I went to an interview for an entry level part-time clerical position. Basically, the main task was processing invoices. Probably also making coffee for everyone and so on. More than basic secretarial work that most people could do with a little common sense, a smile on their face and enough motivation.

I entered the room to find 5 corporate workers in their fancy suit who were going to ask questions one after another. This kind of interview feels more like a police questioning. Lines are prepared and rehearsed. Questions are technical and interviewers are very quiet.

Those interviews are stressful and require intensive preparation. Know about the company’s history and culture. Read the position description carefully, find keywords and study. Atrocious…

The normal interviewer:

I love those normal interviews where interviewers talk to you rather than interrogate you. The conversation flows easily, and you can tell right away how you will get along with the guy. These interviewers care about your personality because they know it cannot be changed. Whereas technical skills can be acquired.

This type of interviewer can be easily spotted. They usually call you quickly after you applied for their position and want to see you ASAP.

They believe what they see rather than random answers to boring questions. Be prepared for a live test. I’ve had to skin fish, translate documents or make mayo during interviews. I can show you what I can do much better than I can tell you. That’s the case for many people!

The want-it-all interviewer:

Some interviewers really try to oversell their position trying to make you think it is great while it’s not. They usually start off the interview by speaking highly about their company and how happy their employees are.

Then, they go on telling you they need someone available Monday through Sunday from 6 am to 10 pm. Their tasks list is longer than the Mississippi. You also need to have a degree, 15 years of experience and never take vacation around Christmas. This great offer is available right now part-time, for $10/hour and no benefits!

Don’t let interviewers fool you and always ask for some time to think before agreeing on anything.

Know your interviewer’s profile and you will almost never be defeated.

The compassionate one:

I had an interview with a pharmacist who needed an assistant last week. She seemed completely overwhelmed and couldn’t even change her voicemail herself or update her business hours on her Facebook page. She needed help updating price tags, and finishing emptying a building that was being sold. The tasks she described seemed so simple that I couldn’t believe it.

A few minutes in, she basically apologized for her proposal being so uninteresting and thought I might be looking for a more rewarding job. I ended up reassuring her that even mindless tasks can be satisfying and that with time everything would get back on track.

I felt sorry for her because she was so nice and just didn’t know where to start. This interview helped me realize that bosses need help too and are not just there to judge us. I still didn’t take the job because I don’t think she would have needed me for very long…

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I’ve left too many interviews feeling embarrassed about some of my answers. I’m sure interviewers have a blast with me! I have a blast with some of them too! I still haven’t found my gem job, but I’m on my way. Hoping to have lightened the mood for my fellow job seekers!

Thank you for reading.

Check out Socially Awkward Misfit funny video of Sam answering stupid interview questions

You might also like my next article: questions interviewers should stop asking.