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Interviewers are trained but not born! Prepare for an interviewer who:
  • has not read your CV
  • gets aggressive to see how you react under stress
  • is constantly disturbed
  • makes remarks about your previous employer or boss
  • asks questions but doesn't listen to your answers

Some interviewers may be disorganized. They may just get things mixed up easily, and you should allow them time to settle down and look for the papers or notes they need. Establish your preparedness early on and, if necessary, subtly suggest an interview structure.

Other interviewers may be unprepared, as they are just too confident! Experienced interviewers tend to think they can sail in on the day and preparation is not necessary. If you are lucky enough to meet such interviewers, you have to keep calm and be patient. It won't do you any good if you try to catch them out or show them up. If interviewers have a position of authority over the post, you may want to consider how you would feel working with them.

There are also some interviewers are nervous (may be even more nervous than you are!). This sometimes happens when specialist functional managers are taken out of their familiar work setting and are expected to be at ease in a more social setting. They will be grateful if you offer relevant information. Do not patronize.

Don't let aggressive interviewers provoke you. Give positive explanations for your weaknesses, failings or gaps in your CV rather than apologies.

Familiarize yourself with the process of the interview. This will help you understand the direction it is taking. If you are not sure about a question, assess what the reasons are for asking it and answer it accordingly.
 

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