What tips you off that an interviewer isn't really interested in you,

[raccoon]

but they have to interview X number of people just to say they did?

(and they've already got somebody else lined up for the job anyway)

I hate that. I hate people doing that and wasting my time and my money.

[KamaAina]

1. When it's over in exactly fifteen minutes

the HR equivalent of a quickie, I guess. :eyes:

[NashVegas]

12. I Once Had a Boss Who Would Spend Several Hours With Candidates

I always felt bad for them, knowing that most people would assume being kept around that long meant they got the gig.

[KurtNYC]

2. Few questions

arm and/or leg crossing, reading during your answers.

[MorningGlow]

3. Never looks at you

Asks general questions halfheartedly and, when you respond, replies "Huh."

My favorite personal experience: VP took a phone call in the middle of my interview and started yelling at the person on the other end. When I balked at the salary (ridiculously paltry) but tried to hedge my bets politely, he snapped, "Are you interested in the job or not!"

Needless to say I didn't weep when they didn't hire me. Unfortunately I ended up working for the same guy in the same place, but a different job, several years later. And you know what? Even though he was very nice the second time around, I should've kept in mind my first experience! The job was PURE HELL.

[Zavulon]

4. Any action that indicates that you're being held to a certain timeframe.

I've had a number of scheduled 30-minute interviews go on for 45 or 60 minutes. When the interview ends precisely on time, don't expect a call.

Also, if you see the interviewer's eyes look at a clock at any point, you're probably screwed. These people do interviews for a living and are practiced enough not to have to watch the clock.

[ohiosmith]

5. Toe nail clipping and/or nose hair trimming are not good signs.

[Godhumor]

6. Most teaching gigs in suburban NY state

Schools have to interview a certain number of candidates for each position, but almost all social studies gigs have internal candidate competing (generally student teachers, long term subs, and alum). Getting into one of those schools without a personal connection can be hellishly hard.

Signs from previous job searches that i wasn't a serious candidate:

The person interviewing me doesn't smile once

My interview consists of them handing me a sheet with the 5 questions to be asked written on it and tells me to just fill it out.

"Do you have at least 20 years of real world experience dealing with micromarket economic conditions?" (I'm 30 years old)

And my personal favorite was my interviewer trying to nip out for an hour lunch 5 minutes before my interview was scheduled to start.

[zanne]

7. Ouch!

Especially the last one. It's so true about getting teaching positions. It's such a thankless, underpaid job you'd think that they'd welcome you with open arms. But noooooooooooooo.

[raccoon]

8. That's the kind of thing that really chaps my arse....

"Schools have to interview a certain number of candidates for each position, but almost all social studies gigs have internal candidate competing"

...especially if you are going any kind of distance to the interview.

[LostinVA]

9. I had someone once balance their checkbook while interviewing me

This was for an NC state job about 12 years ago. I was like, "Excuse me, what are you doing?" She said, "Keep talking." I told them they were unprofessional and left. I called up HR and complained about it, and they were horrified. From what I found out later, the woman's friend had applied and THAT was who was hired.

OMG.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

10. Please tell me they fired both after that. -nt

[LostinVA]

11. No

Although the friend had to be transferred, and the woman who interviewed me was no longer allowed to be involved in hiring people.

I was also a State employee at the time, and I raised hell about this.

[raccoon]

13. Good for you, Lost!

" I told them they were unprofessional and left. I called up HR and complained about it, and they were horrified. "

[LostinVA]

15. I could NOT believe they did that

I've interviewed many, many people in my time, and I have always treated them professionally and cordially, even if there interview sucked. I can't imagine doing something like that to someone.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

14. Leaves cardboard cutout of self at desk and tape recorder with "uh-huh" and "go on" on loop -nt

[prozacnation]

16. When they tell you that your personality is annoying!

True story. I interviewed for a p/t assistant position this week. The woman said "you are outgoing, perky and energetic". Then she said "I think you would get on my nerves. I'm not sure I could keep up with you".

That was before she asked me what my kitchen looked like. The best part was when I asked her to describe herself as a boss and she used the words, mean, critical and told me that she talks down to people. SIGN ME UP!!!

The rest of the interview was just as wonderful. It's a good thing I have a healthy self-esteem or I would have left feeling like crap.

BTW, I'm barely perky, outgoing only to my friends and rarely would I be described as energetic.

[Little Wing]

17. body language is everything

leaning back in chair with arms folded and pen on table = yer screwn

[Javaman]

18. She or he keeps looking at their watch. nt

[davsand]

19. When they call security.

That usually is a pretty good indicator they have decided I'm no longer a viable applicant.*




Laura

---------------------------

*That has never happened to me, actually.

I will say, however, that if they are turning way slightly or leaning back in their chair that kind of non-verbal sends a loud and clear message that you are not hitting home run in that interview. So will arms crossed in front of their body ("blocking" interaction, essentially.) You want to see your interviewer leaning forward in the chair, facing you with arms "open" to you.

Look for lots of blinking and eyes shifting around when you answer the tough questions or when they tell you what they are looking for--usually that is a good indicator of something they are not telling you or maybe even lying about.

Good luck!