How to Deal with a Difficult Interviewer (5 mins Read)

Every job seeker has had to deal with a difficult interviewer at some point in their career. Whether they are rude, condescending, or simply have a bad attitude, it can be difficult to stay calm and collected during an interview. If you find yourself in this situation, 

Here are some tips on how to handle a difficult interviewer with grace and professionalism:

1. Take a deep breath and stay calm. It's natural to feel flustered or anxious if an interviewer is being hostile, but it's important to stay calm and collected. Take a few deep breaths and remind yourself that you're qualified for the job and that this person's behavior is not a reflection of your worth.
2. Don't take it personally. It can be hard not to take it personally when someone is being rude or disrespectful, but it's important to remember that it's probably not about you. The interviewer may be having a bad day, or they may be under a lot of pressure. Try to focus on the interview and not let their behavior get to you.
3. Stay professional. Even if the interviewer is being hostile, it's important to stay professional. Answer their questions politely and confidently. Don't let them bait you into an argument or make you feel like you have to defend yourself.
4. Ask questions. At the end of the interview, be sure to ask some questions of your own. This will show the interviewer that you're interested in the job and that you've done your research. It will also give you a chance to get a better feel for the company culture and whether it's a good fit for you.
5. Follow up. After the interview, be sure to send a thank-you note to the interviewer. This is a good opportunity to reiterate your interest in the job and to thank them for their time.

Here is a story about how a candidate had to deal with a difficult interviewer:

“I was once interviewing for a job as a marketing manager. The interview was going well until the interviewer started asking me about my salary expectations. I told him my salary range, and he immediately started to grill me about why I thought I was worth that much money. He was very condescending and rude, and I started to feel really uncomfortable.

I took a deep breath and reminded myself that I was qualified for the job and that I had a lot to offer the company. I continued to answer his questions politely and confidently. I didn't let him get to me, and I ended up getting the job.

If you find yourself in a situation where an interviewer is being hostile, it's important to stay calm and professional. Remember that it's probably not about you, and don't let them get to you. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of handling the situation successfully.”

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:

• Try to understand why the interviewer is being difficult. Is it because they're under pressure? Are they trying to test your mettle? Once you understand the reason, you can better respond to their behavior.
• Don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. If the interviewer is being overly aggressive or disrespectful, you don't have to put up with it. You can politely let them know that their behavior is unacceptable.
• Remember that you don't have to accept the job. Even if you make it through the interview process, you don't have to accept the job if you're not comfortable with the company culture or the interviewer's behavior.

Dealing with a difficult interviewer can be challenging, but it's important to remember that you don't have to let them get the best of you. By staying calm, confident, and professional, you can increase your chances of acing the interview and landing the job.