How to Tame the Hostile Interviewer

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A job candidate is interviewed at the FMWR Hiring Fair at Aliamanu Military Reservation's community center.
Chris Fuamatu-Maafala, assistant director of youth sports for CYS, and Jarred Serrano, program assistant for youth sports for CYS, interview a job candidate at the FMWR Hiring Fair, Aug. 28, 2017, at Aliamanu Military Reservation's community center. (Karen A. Iwamoto/U.S. Army photo)

We've all been in interviews when it seems like all the interviewer wants to do is trip you up. It's like everything you say is somehow misinterpreted to mean something completely different. How can you defuse such an uncomfortable situation?

First, understand that the interviewer's hostility is probably not about you. Most likely, the interviewer started their day off by arguing with their spouse, woke up sick or just had a disagreement with the boss or a client, and as a result, they're agitated. Maybe they were never taught proper interview techniques. Or they may just have a mean streak. In any case, it's up to you to put the best spin on the interview. Here are three interview techniques you can use to take control:

Address Miscommunications Immediately.

After you give what you think is a solid answer to one of the interview questions, you're met with raised eyebrows and a quizzical look. Is there a problem with your answer? Don't panic. Instead, ask the interviewer right away, "Can I clarify part of my answer for you?"

This gives the interviewer a chance to explain their issue, and it gives you the opportunity to rephrase your answer. It's important to address any confusion immediately; otherwise the interview can get off track, never to be salvaged.

Turn the Tables on a Negative Reaction.

Let's say the interviewer asks how you handled a specific challenge at work. After you answer, the interviewer says, "I disagree with your approach. That's not how we manage problems around here."

Take the edge off this exchange by making it clear you understand every company culture is different. Given what you know about their company, recast your answer, illustrating another way you may handle the situation. This gives you a second chance to respond to the interview question and dispel the interviewer's antagonism. This also demonstrates your flexibility and quick thinking.

An Interview Is a Conversation, Not an Interrogation.

If the person seems bent on grinding you down with endless follow-up interview questions, give your answers and then ask a follow-up question yourself. For instance, ask about how the company ramps up for new product development or where the interviewer thinks the company will be in five years.

This tactic not only makes the interviewer talk, but it also provides the necessary give-and-take of the typical interview. Interviews are not one-sided interrogations, but more a business conversation between you and the potential employer and what you can offer each other.

Whatever transpires in the job interview, never meet hostility with hostility; you can only lose in that exchange. The best way to approach a hostile interviewer is to have tactics at your fingertips that allow you to turn the situation around and dilute the impact of the aggressive interviewer.

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