Making the Most With a Grumpy Interviewer

• Kodie Williams
• July 18, 2022
• Newsletter Article

The interview process is arguably the most stressful and nerve-wracking part of the hiring process for any job seeker. Usually, as long as you are well prepared and go into the interview with confidence, you can bury those emotions and lower your stress levels. But what happens when you begin your interview only to discover that you have to deal with a grumpy interviewer that adds a whole other layer of stress on?

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Anybody who has been in the professional world for a long time can tell you that dealing with grumpy interviewers is a very real possibility and it is something that job seekers should be prepared for. Here are five tips to help you be prepared to handle this situation if it happens to you.

 

#1 - Stay Positive & Confident

When you are faced with a tough interview, nothing can harm you more than losing your confidence and filling your mind with negativity. This can lead to you second guessing yourself or forgetting your answers and can ultimately lead to an unsuccessful interview where you seem unprepared or uninterested in the job. On top of this, if both you and the interviewer are being negative, there is no opportunity for an improvement in the relationship. A positive and confident attitude could be contagious and lead the interviewer to be a little more positive as well. So, make sure to never raise your voice, don’t get involved in an argument, and let your positivity and confidence drive your emotions!

 

#2 - Try to Generate Conversation

Being an interviewer can be a tough and stressful job as well. Sometimes the stress of the job can affect how the interviewer conducts the interview and they can come across as grumpy or annoyed. Try to use this as an opportunity to generate a positive conversation with them in order to show them you are not only interested in them as an interviewer, but also as a person. 

 

#3 - Recognize the Possibility of a Test

The job of an interviewer is to make sure that you are a good fit for the role. Perhaps the role involves you needing to deal with grumpy or difficult people on a regular basis. The interviewer could very well be testing you to see how you would act in this situation. Make sure that whatever you do, treat them exactly how you would treat a difficult customer if you were to get the job.

 

#4- Ask What is Wrong

Perhaps there may have been something that you have unknowingly done to upset the interviewer and, as a result, you are stuck dealing with somebody who is angry or hostile. If you feel like, something may have caused that, feel free to ask them what is wrong. If you did, in fact, do something to upset them, you have the ability to address it right then and there. Otherwise, if you did not do something wrong, this can be a polite and subtle way to let the interviewer know they are being a little unreasonable.

 

#5- Consider Leaving

It is always important to know your worth and know what you are and are not willing to put up with during an interview. If the interviewer is grumpy or hostile and is making you uncomfortable, do not be afraid to remove yourself from the situation and end the interview. This is especially important if the person who is interviewing you would be a person who you would be working with if you are selected for the job. It is important to know that this would almost certainly remove you from contention for the job, but you must determine if the job is even worth it given the way their interviews are conducted.

 

Regardless of if your interviewer is the happiest person in the world or a total grump, make sure to stay calm, always uphold your professionalism and be prepared to answer all of their questions the way you practiced. Be sure to ask questions that generate meaningful conversations and show the interviewer exactly why you are the right fit for the job!