A common misconception among many job seekers today is that all interviewers are exactly the same. While many interviewers do follow similar formats, personality and interview styles vary and both can greatly impact the outcome of an interview. Stakes are high during an interview; if you misread the personality of the hiring manager, it could negatively impact your career path. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with common interviewer types and preparing effective strategies for communicating with each will help place you in a great position to handle nearly any interview scenario you may encounter. Consider the following:

• The talkative type. Being interviewed by someone who is friendly and talkative can be a comforting relief, but be careful not to let your guard down. Respond with warmth and friendliness, as these characteristics are likely to be appreciated by a talkative interviewer. Actively engage in the conversation and provide well-crafted and thought-out answers when you are asked a question.
• The interrogator. This type of interviewer could be viewed as the opposite of the warm, talkative type. Hiring managers that fit this type tend to ask questions quickly, sometimes in a slightly intimidating tone. Always maintain your composure and show that you are not easily flustered. Take the time you need to think about your answers and respond calmly. Remain pleasant, but don’t overly socialize with the interviewer.
• The by-the-book interviewer. Although this interviewer is not quite as harsh as the interrogator, a by-the-books interviewer will try to stick as closely as possible to a scripted interview. In this situation, follow the pace the interviewer sets to avoid forcing the interviewer out of their comfort zone and unintentionally leaving a bad impression. Instead, gently engage the interviewer in a conversation that flows both ways.
• The inexperienced or ill-prepared type. Many candidates expect an interviewer to be an example of professionalism and experience, and are shocked when they encounter the exact opposite during their interview.  Whether the interviewer is new to the company or simply new to the hiring process, do not allow yourself to be thrown off track. Stay calm and collected and stick to your main discussion points.
• The nosy type. Albeit relatively small, there are unfortunately a number of interviewers who will overstep their boundaries with candidates, whether knowingly or unknowingly. If you find yourself in a position where an interviewer asks a question that you feel is inappropriate or makes you uncomfortable in any way, respond with a gentle redirect and reiterate that you would prefer to stick to standard work-related topics.

Although personality is very complex, the majority of hiring managers tend to be consistent in their interview styles. While it is unlikely that you will encounter an interviewer who perfectly matches any one of these five types, these guidelines can help you determine different strategies you can use to respond effectively in different situations. If you are looking for additional resources to improve your interview skills, contact the experts at Staffers today!