“In a recent interview, I nearly fell asleep. The interviewer went on and on about the company, the position, and the overall goals of the department. I think he spoke one long sentence that took 20 minutes to finish … and I don’t believe he took one breath during that time. When I left his office, I thought I was a shoe-in because if the company would hire him, they would surely hire me. It’s been three weeks, and I haven’t heard a thing.”
Interviewers are sometimes inexperienced and nervous too, so they perform many of the same blunders of interviewees; i.e. talking too much. About 10 minutes in, the interviewer probably started sounding like Charlie Brown’s teacher, am I right? Oh well, at least you had an interview … even if it didn’t go swimmingly. =]
Was the interview for an open lead/management position? If so, the interview would have been a great time for you to display your skills, by taking an ineffective situation and turning it around. Conversations can become lopsided; and even though the interviewer should have recognized that was happening, it’s also your responsibility to step in with a few preselected questions or comments as well.
Interviews should be two-sided conversations, and not have the elements of a seminar.
Since the interviewer continuously spoke during your meeting, some career coaches might indicate that is a sign he was trying to “sell” you on the company. Generally, candidates are the ones selling themselves to the company in order to land the job. But, have you also considered that maybe the interview was that way “by design”? Maybe the interviewer acted that way in attempt to determine how you handle yourself? Nowadays, one has difficulty deciphering the true intentions of HR personnel.
I’ll agree, the interview wasn’t the most optimal situation but it was a good experience for you none the less. Since only three weeks have passed, consider sending a small note or possibly calling the interviewer to discuss the interview. If the interviewer is on the fencepost about making a decision, something as small as a phone message or email could change that for you.
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