Worst Interviewers...EVER

[boaz]

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I would have lamoed at that.

 

[thefritz]

Friends,

You all seem to lack a basic understanding of how interviews are conducted. There is no need to cry after a bad interview. It was not personal; it was never meant to be personal. You were just subjected to a "stress interview." It is very common in all types of interviewing situations. It does not mean that the interviewer thinks you are a bad candidate. It does not mean that the interviewer is off his meds. It is a psychological and deliberate test. If you believe that the interview is important, which you certainly should, then you should also believe that the school knows what its doing when they unleash Dr. so-and-so on you who is known for making even the strongest person break down in tears.

Before any of you go on another interview, I suggest you read more about the art of interviewing. Study the different types of styles. Here is a good place to start (I've highlighted the stress interview since that is the kind everyone is complaining about):

http://www.jobskills.info/resume_edge/types_of_interview.htm#stress

Preparing for the interview by memorizing your application is pointless if you are unfamiliar with the different types of interviewing styles. You need to think about not only what you should answer, but how you should answer depending on who is asking.

Years ago, I interviewed at a NYC medical school and was rejected immediately after the interview. Looking back, I realized why -- I had blatantly failed an interview that I though initially was a huge success. The interviewer sat down and had an extremely enthusiastic tone of voice. The way that he spoke made me want to agree with everything he said just because of the way he voiced his thoughts so confidently and emotionally. I remember at one point he said something like, "after all, medicine is just a method of systemically killing one organ system in order to make another one better!!!" In my head I was thinking, is he being facetious? But the tone with which he said it and the smile on his face just led me to nod in agreement because I was most afraid of disagreeing with him. The interview continued like this, with his enormous grin and leading statements. Looking back, it was clear that the whole thing was a facade and that I failed miserably by not saying "wait, what, hold on a minute..." This interviewer was specifically looking for confidence, and by letting his personality charm me into agreeing with his (falsely held) notions, I failed the interview instantly even though I came out feeling good and thinking "Wow, that guy was really cool -- I think he liked me a lot!!"

Another interview I had, the interviewer was downright hostile. He used the f-word to describe the person he previously interviewed ("these other f***ing applicants are simply liars - they don't know what speciality they want - nobody can know that 100%"). He acted like he hated his job ("somedays I just absolutely hate this s***") and hated the school. Again, looking back, I know this was done purposefully. He was trying to make sure I had thick enough skin and didn't reveal any insecurities or doubts when faced with unpleasantness about my chosen career.

In a professional interview once, I was subject to the "technical interview" style. This is in my opinion the worst kind. At least one person posted a story of this kind of interview here. The interviewer will ask you directly a bunch of esoteric technical questions. Sometimes these are legitimate and they ask you basic questions (for example if you claim to be fluent in Chinese on your resume, they will ask you a to translate something), but usually they may ask you to derive an equation you have never seen, or to explain some type of mechanism you have never heard of. Chances are, if you have no idea what the answer is, then they don't expect you to know what the answer is and they are testing you to see how you handle a question you don't know the answer to. The correct answer to this question is "I don't know the answer to that, but I know where to find it." If you hesitate, get emotional and try to defend yourself, or try to b.s. your way out of it, you failed.

The point is, because the interviewer was mean or hostile or seemed insane does not mean that he hates you or won't give you a good recommendation. It is not personal, so don't take it personally. It is a test, and to pass it you need to know not only what to say back, but how to say it. If you take it personally and respond rudely to a rude question, you will fail. If you become flustered and look like you're going to cry, you will fail. Do not show any negative emotion no matter how much the interviewer insults you (this includes "fake positives" such insincerity, a false grin, banal platitudes, or saying what you think they want to hear but not what you believe). Be confident, honest, approachable, and above all professional.

 

[bamtuba]

Friends,

You all seem to lack a basic understanding of how interviews are conducted. There is no need to cry after a bad interview. It was not personal; it was never meant to be personal. You were just subjected to a "stress interview." It is very common in all types of interviewing situations. It does not mean that the interviewer thinks you are a bad candidate. It does not mean that the interviewer is off his meds. It is a psychological and deliberate test. If you believe that the interview is important, which you certainly should, then you should also believe that the school knows what its doing when they unleash Dr. so-and-so on you who is known for making even the strongest person break down in tears.

Before any of you go on another interview, I suggest you read more about the art of interviewing. Study the different types of styles. Here is a good place to start (I've highlighted the stress interview since that is the kind everyone is complaining about):

http://www.jobskills.info/resume_edge/types_of_interview.htm#stress

Preparing for the interview by memorizing your application is pointless if you are unfamiliar with the different types of interviewing styles. You need to think about not only what you should answer, but how you should answer depending on who is asking.

Years ago, I interviewed at a NYC medical school and was rejected immediately after the interview. Looking back, I realized why -- I had blatantly failed an interview that I though initially was a huge success. The interviewer sat down and had an extremely enthusiastic tone of voice. The way that he spoke made me want to agree with everything he said just because of the way he voiced his thoughts so confidently and emotionally. I remember at one point he said something like, "after all, medicine is just a method of systemically killing one organ system in order to make another one better!!!" In my head I was thinking, is he being facetious? But the tone with which he said it and the smile on his face just led me to nod in agreement because I was most afraid of disagreeing with him. The interview continued like this, with his enormous grin and leading statements. Looking back, it was clear that the whole thing was a facade and that I failed miserably by not saying "wait, what, hold on a minute..." This interviewer was specifically looking for confidence, and by letting his personality charm me into agreeing with his (falsely held) notions, I failed the interview instantly even though I came out feeling good and thinking "Wow, that guy was really cool -- I think he liked me a lot!!"

Another interview I had, the interviewer was downright hostile. He used the f-word to describe the person he previously interviewed ("these other f***ing applicants are simply liars - they don't know what speciality they want - nobody can know that 100%"). He acted like he hated his job ("somedays I just absolutely hate this s***") and hated the school. Again, looking back, I know this was done purposefully. He was trying to make sure I had thick enough skin and didn't reveal any insecurities or doubts when faced with unpleasantness about my chosen career.

In a professional interview once, I was subject to the "technical interview" style. This is in my opinion the worst kind. At least one person posted a story of this kind of interview here. The interviewer will ask you directly a bunch of esoteric technical questions. Sometimes these are legitimate and they ask you basic questions (for example if you claim to be fluent in Chinese on your resume, they will ask you a to translate something), but usually they may ask you to derive an equation you have never seen, or to explain some type of mechanism you have never heard of. Chances are, if you have no idea what the answer is, then they don't expect you to know what the answer is and they are testing you to see how you handle a question you don't know the answer to. The correct answer to this question is "I don't know the answer to that, but I know where to find it." If you hesitate, get emotional and try to defend yourself, or try to b.s. your way out of it, you failed.

The point is, because the interviewer was mean or hostile or seemed insane does not mean that he hates you or won't give you a good recommendation. It is not personal, so don't take it personally. It is a test, and to pass it you need to know not only what to say back, but how to say it. If you take it personally and respond rudely to a rude question, you will fail. If you become flustered and look like you're going to cry, you will fail. Do not show any negative emotion no matter how much the interviewer insults you (this includes "fake positives" such insincerity, a false grin, banal platitudes, or saying what you think they want to hear but not what you believe). Be confident, honest, approachable, and above all professional.

Um, OK. I think you and I have differing opinions about the purpose (intended or evolved) of this thread.

I think the above ideas are great to consider, but I'll just say right now that there are a LOT of interviewers who, even if they are intentionally attempting to perpetuate one of the "interview styles," are just clueless when it comes to seperating the good from the bad and are looking for people "just like them." They do exist and this is the place to share a laugh or two at their expense.

But to each his/her own.

 

[boaz]

Um, OK. I think you and I have differing opinions about the purpose (intended or evolved) of this thread.

I think the above ideas are great to consider, but I'll just say right now that there are a LOT of interviewers who, even if they are intentionally attempting to perpetuate one of the "interview styles," are just clueless when it comes to seperating the good from the bad and are looking for people "just like them." They do exist and this is the place to share a laugh or two at their expense.

But to each his/her own.

I think he was only trying to help 🙂. It just sounds like many here are unaware of the special interview techniques used, especially the stress interview. In any case, we can still laugh/cry/commiserate together about all of these crazy stories.

 

[bamtuba]

I think he was only trying to help 🙂. It just sounds like many here are unaware of the special interview techniques used, especially the stress interview. In any case, we can still laugh/cry/commiserate together about all of these crazy stories.

Yeah, I got that. And I'm not the least bit bothered by it. Just pointing out that even interviewers who are TRYING to be jerks, rattle applicants, etc. can still goof it all up and end up creating experiences that don't help them make an informed decision about an applicant.

 

[dokein]

Stress interviewers do their school a disservice: it creates a negative impression of the school for the applicant; if any of the schools I interviewed at gave me a stress interview they would drop more than a few slots to the bottom of my list.

Interviews form impressions both ways.

 

[bamtuba]

Stress interviewers do their school a disservice: it creates a negative impression of the school for the applicant; if any of the schools I interviewed at gave me a stress interview they would drop more than a few slots to the bottom of my list.

Interviews form impressions both ways.

So freakin' true. 👍

 

[fizzgig]

I had an interview with a certain med school in the Northeast.

I took a five hour train ride and then spent like 60 dollars on overpriced cab fare. When I got there, I was told that my name was not on the interview schedule at all. The secretary tried to figure out why, and it turns out that somebody at this school screwed up and scheduled me for an interview when I was originally rejected during my secondaries.

So I got a round of two pity interviews. Neither of the interviewers really cared and were actually a bit annoyed they were wasting their time on someone who should've been rejected.

Got an email from them about a week later saying that they had chose to pass on my candidacy. How predictable.

OH. MY. GOODNESS. that sucks the big one. if they really did let on that that was the reason they didn't have you on the books that day then you get superkudos for not throttling anyone right then and there, and a few extra too for actually going through with their interviews... wtF mates...

 

[kristieb1]

thefritz, what do you do if the interviewer asks you a question that is supposed to be off limits?

Isn't it against some law to ask what religion a student belongs to? Like if I got interviewed at University of Utah and they asked me, "So, are you LDS?" (Mormon) how do I respond to that? I'd be pissed off if someone started asking me discriminatory questions like that. I don't want to think their decision is even slightly based on what my religion is. I wouldn't want to answer the question.

This did not happen. I was just citing a fictional example.

 

[RookTookIt]

thefritz, what do you do if the interviewer asks you a question that is supposed to be off limits?

Isn't it against some law to ask what religion a student belongs to? Like if I got interviewed at University of Utah and they asked me, "So, are you LDS?" (Mormon) how do I respond to that? I'd be pissed off if someone started asking me discriminatory questions like that. I don't want to think their decision is even slightly based on what my religion is. I wouldn't want to answer the question.

This did not happen. I was just citing a fictional example.

I am not thefritz, but when I've been asked a question like that, I usually say "well, my parents raised me _____." That way I don't have to awkwardly avoid the question, but the interviewer can't be sure if it's just a part of my past or my present.

 

[boaz]

thefritz, what do you do if the interviewer asks you a question that is supposed to be off limits?

Isn't it against some law to ask what religion a student belongs to? Like if I got interviewed at University of Utah and they asked me, "So, are you LDS?" (Mormon) how do I respond to that? I'd be pissed off if someone started asking me discriminatory questions like that. I don't want to think their decision is even slightly based on what my religion is. I wouldn't want to answer the question.

This did not happen. I was just citing a fictional example.

Most schools these days have a non-discriminatory policy that says that admissions decisions are made irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, etc. Asking the question "what religion are you" is not necessarily contrary to that policy, especially if it's asked in a conversational way. At the same time, I think it's best if interviewers avoid asking it since the interviewee might take it to mean that the admissions decision might be based on religion.

 

[Neatloaf]

After a stress-free morning interview, my second interviewer clearly hadn't read my file. This was a little unnerving, but eventually we started talking about my experience writing.

I mentioned a satirical piece I wrote about zombies, to which she claimed she hated this latest vampire craze in the media. Cue us bashing Twilight for 15 minutes followed with me explaining the genesis of Romero zombies and fast zombies.

I wouldn't say it was a bad interview, but the fact that she was clearly disinterested in my file really threw me off. Also, the subject of our discussion was bizarre given the context. I still have no idea what to think, really.

 

[thefritz]

thefritz, what do you do if the interviewer asks you a question that is supposed to be off limits?

Isn't it against some law to ask what religion a student belongs to? Like if I got interviewed at University of Utah and they asked me, "So, are you LDS?" (Mormon) how do I respond to that? I'd be pissed off if someone started asking me discriminatory questions like that. I don't want to think their decision is even slightly based on what my religion is. I wouldn't want to answer the question.

This did not happen. I was just citing a fictional example.

These illegal questions only apply to job interviews. It would be unprofessional to ask about religion in a medical school interview, but it could happen. You can either politely refuse to answer it (e.g., I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable answering that question) or answer it. If you answer it, you would be better off being honest and direct rather than being vague and trying to answer the way you think they want you to answer. If they get the feeling your are willing to sell out your religious views, it won't be good no matter what their religion is because they will wonder what else about yourself you are lying about in order to make yourself seem more desirable.

I think you are asking if it is ok to refuse to answer, and the answer is yes, it is, but do it politely and unemotionally. If they continue to try and get you to answer after you have refused, respond more firmly. You might want to indicate that your religious views are a private matter and you never discuss them with anyone.

 

[softmed]

If you said that in your interview even remotely word for word I give you props. I would've added The Hangover to the list of good movies.

I don't get it. The Hangover was a very mediocre comedy. It wasn't bad or anything, but I don't get how it did so well. I Love You, Man and Zombieland were both superior.

Especially Zombieland. I'm pretty sure that's the perfect movie.

Although I stupidly called "The Hurt Locker" a fun movie to my interviewer. Person probably though I was a psychopath. Then again, the movie WAS more about the action, suspense, and thrill of war rather than war sucking.

 

[softmed]

These illegal questions only apply to job interviews. It would be unprofessional to ask about religion in a medical school interview, but it could happen. You can either politely refuse to answer it (e.g., I'm sorry, but I'm not comfortable answering that question) or answer it. If you answer it, you would be better off being honest and direct rather than being vague and trying to answer the way you think they want you to answer. If they get the feeling your are willing to sell out your religious views, it won't be good no matter what their religion is because they will wonder what else about yourself you are lying about in order to make yourself seem more desirable.

They're not allowed to ask about religion. That kind of thing applies to schools AND work, not one or the other. They can only ask about religion if you're the one that brings it up.

 

[uhmm]

I don't see the problem about asking one's religion in a conversational way; after all, it is a part of your background and what made you the person you are today. Plus, I am pretty sure schools won't care what religion you are even if you disclose it.

 

[Cro]

I don't get it. The Hangover was a very mediocre comedy. It wasn't bad or anything, but I don't get how it did so well. I Love You, Man and Zombieland were both superior.

Especially Zombieland. I'm pretty sure that's the perfect movie.

Although I stupidly called "The Hurt Locker" a fun movie to my interviewer. Person probably though I was a psychopath. Then again, the movie WAS more about the action, suspense, and thrill of war rather than war sucking.

Really? I thought zombieland was incredibly mediocre compared to the hangover. I haven't seen the hurt locker or I love you man so I can't comment on that.

 

[utah3219]

.

 

[softmed]

I don't see the problem about asking one's religion in a conversational way; after all, it is a part of your background and what made you the person you are today. Plus, I am pretty sure schools won't care what religion you are even if you disclose it.

Probably in 90% of the case they wouldn't care. But for example, I am an atheist and I wouldn't be happy if someone asked, especially if they were a person that didn't understand it. It's a cold uncaring universe according to you, so why try to save a person's life? Or if I were a Christian with an atheist interviewer they might think, "if the person is going to die and go to heaven then why try to save their lives?"

And it's not like you'll have a chance to respond to these misconceptions: they may have them and likely won't bring them up. Either way it'll change the way they look at you.

Worse yet, they could simply favor applicants of the same religion as themselves. Even if they understand atheism but like Christians for whatever reason, it's not fair to favor Christians just because you're Christian. It's still discrimination based upon something very arbitrary. Religious beliefs have nothing to do with your ability to competently practice medicine (unless you believe in faith healing, then you might want to stay away).

 

[kristieb1]

If you answer it, you would be better off being honest and direct rather than being vague and trying to answer the way you think they want you to answer. If they get the feeling your are willing to sell out your religious views, it won't be good no matter what their religion is because they will wonder what else about yourself you are lying about in order to make yourself seem more desirable.

I think you are asking if it is ok to refuse to answer, and the answer is yes, it is, but do it politely and unemotionally. If they continue to try and get you to answer after you have refused, respond more firmly. You might want to indicate that your religious views are a private matter and you never discuss them with anyone.

Re: The bolded part... See I'd never do that. I'd be completely honest. So I'd be nervous that they were looking for a certain demographic, or it was the interviewer's preference that you are or aren't a certain religion.

I just hate those questions. They make me want to run around screaming UNFAIR UNFAIR haha.