When you are in the job search phase and you go through job interviews. You generally have to deal with very different people. Indeed, there are all kinds of recruiters, as there are multiple questions, different attitudes, and even several recruitment methods.
By questioning your knowledge, you can easily realize that almost everyone has already had a difficult and confusing interview. Which leaves room for doubt and raises many questions. So what to do when the recruiter wants to destabilize you and you have fear of difficult interview questions?
You can also read these 50 tough interview questions.
How does a “destabilizing” recruiter behave?
The recruiter who destabilizes the candidate can do it voluntarily with a specific goal in mind, to get an idea about you. And your aptitudes for the job, or behave like this because it is simply in his way of being. . Either way, if you’re dealing with this type of recruiter, here’s what to expect.
- He tries to discredit your CV by displaying frank skepticism about your background, your training, and your skills or even about your values.
- He hardly looks at you, regularly checks his watch, and answers you briefly as if you were annoying him.
- The recruiter keeps cutting you off and brutally contradicts all your answers.
- It focuses on the gray areas of your CV and intentionally obscures the positive.
- He asks you disturbing questions and throws you challenges that you find absurd.
- He is aggressive in the intonations of his speech, does not smile, and even displays a frown.
- At worst, he verbally attacks you with very inappropriate words.
You must avoid these common interview mistakes.
This panel of stressful situations is a good summary of the attitudes that a recruiter can adopt during an interview. The balance of power exists. Even if, fortunately, this is not the case for all companies, it brings fear of difficult interview questions.
Follow this interview checklist to boost your confidence
Why can a recruiter seek to destabilize a candidate?
Some really take pleasure in playing on the nerves of the candidates they interview. However, we qualify these recruiters as “rare species”, because in reality, for the most part, it is only a bluff. They have, in fact, a real objective by acting with you in this way.
For example, if you are applying for a Client Manager position, where managing conflicts is a necessity. A destabilizing interview will allow you to highlight your qualities to defuse a complicated and stressful situation. If you do not pass this “test” properly, start to stutter, arch your back and look down. The recruiter will know that you do not have the posture and serenity to fill such a position. Likewise, if you get aggressive and lose control, you will show that you cannot manage a clientele. And that it will be difficult to point out to you. By putting the candidate in an uncomfortable position, the recruiter often has real motivation.
Also read: 6 Things You Should Never Say In a Job Interview
How to react to a destabilizing recruiter?
3 tips to keep control in the face of a confusing recruiter.
Immediately think that this one plays a role with a perfectly professional purpose. Tell yourself this is nothing against you and take it as a challenge.
Stay humble, respectful, calm, and sure of yourself, a bit like “the quiet strength”. Also be tenacious and determined, without a hint of the arrogance of course.
Streamline, remembering that if you’re there, the recruiter has shown interest in your application. So stay confident in your CV and defend it intelligently in the event of an attack.
Good to know: the more the recruiter pushes his “questioning” and tries to destabilize you, the more chances are that your application will really interest him. He is probably trying to reassure himself in his choice to take you. Let’s be clear, why would he waste time with you if he wasn’t? Another point that should reassure you and make you smiles inside during the interview, even if nothing is played.
Also read: 6 Most Commonly Asked Online Interview Questions & Replies
What attitude to adopt when faced with a puzzling question?
Faced with a destabilizing interview, even downright indiscreet or inappropriate question, what should we answer? We would say it’s up to you, but 3 possibilities remain.
You decide that the question is totally inappropriate and that it frankly exceeds the limits of what you think is acceptable in an interview. You realize that you don’t want to work in this atmosphere, with this person, and just in the company. In that case, be courteous if you wish, and end the interview.
Option 2, you are very motivated for the job and you know that this is all aimed at getting to know you better, but you don’t feel like answering a question. Bring the conversation to another point if possible. You can also gently point out to him that you do not see how this relates to the position, by asking him to explain the meaning of the question to you.
Read on how to approach an informal job interview
Finally, and this is by far the best, answer the recruiter’s question by trying to turn the answer to your advantage. And if it’s really unsettling or out of place, just stay evasive (with a smile).
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