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Yes, over the years I have deliberately botched a few of my interviews. Perhaps you are wondering why would I do that. The answer is simple. I could tell within a few minutes of exposure to the office setting and/or interviewers that it was a bad fit all around. There is a bit more, however, to this explanation.
An interview is a two-way street. While a prospective employer is giving you the scrutiny of a lifetime, you should be checking them out to see how they line up with your criteria of a suitable employer. Here are some things you should consider early on in the interview:
- Does the employer or designated representative have good communication skills that will allow you to express yourself?
- Is this an employer that has rigid rules or do they appear to be reasonable in what they are asking. Listen carefully and read between the lines. Life experience may help you pick up on this.
- Does the interviewer have good eye contact?
- Does the interviewer smile? And, do they have a sense of humor?
- Probably the most important thing you can pick up on is the atmosphere of the office or company space you see or are exposed to before the interview. A silent environment with little employee expression may at times denote the employer runs a "tight ship."
Obviously, no employer is perfect; nor, is there going to be a perfect environment. The question that you must ask yourself is whether or not you will be happy and comfortable working for the prospective employer. Will you feel like a square being shoved into a circle? If it appears the fit isn't there--then most likely it's not.
There are plenty of jobs with the right fit. Life is just too short to pigeonhole yourself into a tight jacket every day. Your time and skills are valuable. Have self-worth in YOU. Not all employers are equal. That's why I threw some interviews.
Perhaps it's the rascal in me. I couldn't help myself. Over the years I ran into some of the nastiest people conducting interviews. I knew immediately that I could never work in their space. So, throwing the interview was easy. How? Say what's on your mind, be the authority, and ask a lot of questions about the company, the job, the employee/employer relationships...you get the picture. It's easy...
That being said, don't give up finding your "fit." There are great employers that will appreciate you and what you bring to their company. Just remember when you find them, don't throw the interview!
