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What to do when interviewers don't want to interview? [closed]
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8
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I was interviewing at this company (an established startup), and the interviewers appeared to be uninterested in talking at all. I was interviewed by the CEO and another person. The CEO didn't say anything the whole time. The whole interview happened in less than 5 minutes, the interviewer didn't bother to greet me, my answers were interrupted, and when I indicated that I had no further questions, I was returned with a final "Thank you.".
What's the mind game being played here? Should I be begging them and go on and on about my qualifications? Or should I just pretend I don't care?
It is possible that the interviewers were tired or distracted by their other tasks. I have no idea how many people were interviewed that day.
Also, if the result has already been determined, what's the point of asking me to the interview anyway?
interviewing
asked May 22 '16 at 14:44
Dxml
473
closed as too broad by paparazzo, gnat, Jim G., Chris E, Kent A. May 22 '16 at 23:57
Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
I was interviewing at this company (an established startup), and the interviewers appeared to be uninterested in talking at all. I was interviewed by the CEO and another person. The CEO didn't say anything the whole time. The whole interview happened in less than 5 minutes, the interviewer didn't bother to greet me, my answers were interrupted, and when I indicated that I had no further questions, I was returned with a final "Thank you.".
What's the mind game being played here? Should I be begging them and go on and on about my qualifications? Or should I just pretend I don't care?
It is possible that the interviewers were tired or distracted by their other tasks. I have no idea how many people were interviewed that day.
Also, if the result has already been determined, what's the point of asking me to the interview anyway?
interviewing
asked May 22 '16 at 14:44
Dxml
473
closed as too broad by paparazzo, gnat, Jim G., Chris E, Kent A. May 22 '16 at 23:57
Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
10
There are so many possible scenarios, it would be difficult to answer. But if I had been there, I would have just asked. "You don't seem interested in talking to me. So why am I here?"
– Stephan Branczyk
May 22 '16 at 16:05
1
Possible duplicate of What to do with a completely unprepared interviewer?
– Jim G.
May 22 '16 at 20:33
1
I was once told that I was hired at a company and that the last part of the process was to meet the CEO, merely as a formality. Otherwise, I was told "welcome aboard". I sat there for over an hour while I overheard the CEO in the room next door yakking on the phone about what restaurant to order food from. Ever seen the episode of Breaking Bad with that jerk Walt saw while standing in line that the bank? The CEO was basically that guy. Finally he came in, asked me a few questions, then walked out. 2 hours later, I got an email saying I wasn't hired. Sometimes people are just jerks.
– user10800
May 24 '16 at 18:03
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
up vote
8
down vote
favorite
I was interviewing at this company (an established startup), and the interviewers appeared to be uninterested in talking at all. I was interviewed by the CEO and another person. The CEO didn't say anything the whole time. The whole interview happened in less than 5 minutes, the interviewer didn't bother to greet me, my answers were interrupted, and when I indicated that I had no further questions, I was returned with a final "Thank you.".
What's the mind game being played here? Should I be begging them and go on and on about my qualifications? Or should I just pretend I don't care?
It is possible that the interviewers were tired or distracted by their other tasks. I have no idea how many people were interviewed that day.
Also, if the result has already been determined, what's the point of asking me to the interview anyway?
interviewing
asked May 22 '16 at 14:44
Dxml
473
I was interviewing at this company (an established startup), and the interviewers appeared to be uninterested in talking at all. I was interviewed by the CEO and another person. The CEO didn't say anything the whole time. The whole interview happened in less than 5 minutes, the interviewer didn't bother to greet me, my answers were interrupted, and when I indicated that I had no further questions, I was returned with a final "Thank you.".
What's the mind game being played here? Should I be begging them and go on and on about my qualifications? Or should I just pretend I don't care?
It is possible that the interviewers were tired or distracted by their other tasks. I have no idea how many people were interviewed that day.
Also, if the result has already been determined, what's the point of asking me to the interview anyway?
interviewing
asked May 22 '16 at 14:44
Dxml
473
edited May 24 '16 at 13:41
asked May 22 '16 at 14:44
Dxml
473
asked May 22 '16 at 14:44
Dxml
473
asked May 22 '16 at 14:44
Dxml
473
473
closed as too broad by paparazzo, gnat, Jim G., Chris E, Kent A. May 22 '16 at 23:57
Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
closed as too broad by paparazzo, gnat, Jim G., Chris E, Kent A. May 22 '16 at 23:57
Please edit the question to limit it to a specific problem with enough detail to identify an adequate answer. Avoid asking multiple distinct questions at once. See the How to Ask page for help clarifying this question. If this question can be reworded to fit the rules in the help center, please edit the question.
10
There are so many possible scenarios, it would be difficult to answer. But if I had been there, I would have just asked. "You don't seem interested in talking to me. So why am I here?"
– Stephan Branczyk
May 22 '16 at 16:05
1
Possible duplicate of What to do with a completely unprepared interviewer?
– Jim G.
May 22 '16 at 20:33
1
I was once told that I was hired at a company and that the last part of the process was to meet the CEO, merely as a formality. Otherwise, I was told "welcome aboard". I sat there for over an hour while I overheard the CEO in the room next door yakking on the phone about what restaurant to order food from. Ever seen the episode of Breaking Bad with that jerk Walt saw while standing in line that the bank? The CEO was basically that guy. Finally he came in, asked me a few questions, then walked out. 2 hours later, I got an email saying I wasn't hired. Sometimes people are just jerks.
– user10800
May 24 '16 at 18:03
suggest improvements |Â
10
There are so many possible scenarios, it would be difficult to answer. But if I had been there, I would have just asked. "You don't seem interested in talking to me. So why am I here?"
– Stephan Branczyk
May 22 '16 at 16:05
1
Possible duplicate of What to do with a completely unprepared interviewer?
– Jim G.
May 22 '16 at 20:33
1
I was once told that I was hired at a company and that the last part of the process was to meet the CEO, merely as a formality. Otherwise, I was told "welcome aboard". I sat there for over an hour while I overheard the CEO in the room next door yakking on the phone about what restaurant to order food from. Ever seen the episode of Breaking Bad with that jerk Walt saw while standing in line that the bank? The CEO was basically that guy. Finally he came in, asked me a few questions, then walked out. 2 hours later, I got an email saying I wasn't hired. Sometimes people are just jerks.
– user10800
May 24 '16 at 18:03
10
10
There are so many possible scenarios, it would be difficult to answer. But if I had been there, I would have just asked. "You don't seem interested in talking to me. So why am I here?"
– Stephan Branczyk
May 22 '16 at 16:05
There are so many possible scenarios, it would be difficult to answer. But if I had been there, I would have just asked. "You don't seem interested in talking to me. So why am I here?"
– Stephan Branczyk
May 22 '16 at 16:05
1
1
Possible duplicate of What to do with a completely unprepared interviewer?
– Jim G.
May 22 '16 at 20:33
Possible duplicate of What to do with a completely unprepared interviewer?
– Jim G.
May 22 '16 at 20:33
1
1
I was once told that I was hired at a company and that the last part of the process was to meet the CEO, merely as a formality. Otherwise, I was told "welcome aboard". I sat there for over an hour while I overheard the CEO in the room next door yakking on the phone about what restaurant to order food from. Ever seen the episode of Breaking Bad with that jerk Walt saw while standing in line that the bank? The CEO was basically that guy. Finally he came in, asked me a few questions, then walked out. 2 hours later, I got an email saying I wasn't hired. Sometimes people are just jerks.
– user10800
May 24 '16 at 18:03
I was once told that I was hired at a company and that the last part of the process was to meet the CEO, merely as a formality. Otherwise, I was told "welcome aboard". I sat there for over an hour while I overheard the CEO in the room next door yakking on the phone about what restaurant to order food from. Ever seen the episode of Breaking Bad with that jerk Walt saw while standing in line that the bank? The CEO was basically that guy. Finally he came in, asked me a few questions, then walked out. 2 hours later, I got an email saying I wasn't hired. Sometimes people are just jerks.
– user10800
May 24 '16 at 18:03
suggest improvements |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
18
down vote
Clearly that interviewer thinks you're a waste of time to interview. It is unlikely a mind game is being played here. That reason for the short interview could be because:
- The interviewer doesn't think the company needs a new person in that role.
- The interviewer knows the company isn't really going to hire someone in that role.
- The interviewer thinks you're totally unsuited for the job.
However, the reason doesn't really matter. They don't want you. Get over it and move on.
answered May 22 '16 at 14:49
Olin Lathrop
4,13811218
11
Another one is where the interview is a formality as they have an internal (or known) candidate but have to go through the motions of an external candidate.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
May 22 '16 at 15:51
Or they're looking to hire an H1-B and any American applicants will automatically be considered unqualified.
– Loren Pechtel
May 22 '16 at 20:03
2
@Loren: That makes no sense. Dealing with H1-B is never better than not having to deal with such issues at all.
– Olin Lathrop
May 23 '16 at 10:48
1
@LorenPechtel - I am an H1b and, assuming the company is at least trying to stay on the right side of the law, hiring an H1b is significantly more of a PITA than hiring an American for the job.
– brhans
May 24 '16 at 14:41
@brhans More hassle but less money. Most H1-Bs are unfair competition.
– Loren Pechtel
May 24 '16 at 18:32
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I would opine the following.
The person interviewing you knows his/her opinion would not matter. For example, I had an on-site interview where I met with several people. One of the interviews was with someone in upper management. It became very clear that this interview was just a formal procedure, since I will likely not be working with him anyways. It is the technical interviews with colleagues and team leader (this job was technical) that really counts. So he didn't care who the team picked. It simply did not matter to him, and he has other things on his plate to get to.
The person interviewing you is unsatisfied with his/her job. For instance, this person might be considering leaving the company and has no stake in whether you get hired or not. He/she is probably too busy trying to find his/her next gig.
answered May 22 '16 at 19:35
LCW
1412
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I do not think there is a "mind game" going on.
Consider that they have filled the position. Or budget slashed. Or the interviewer was thrown in at the deep end at the last minute. Perhaps the interview has personal problems.
Either way - chalk it up to experience. It was a job that was not meant to be.
Better luck next time
edited May 22 '16 at 22:29
Kilisi
94.5k50216376
answered May 22 '16 at 14:48
Ed Heal
8,33421440
suggest improvements |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
18
down vote
Clearly that interviewer thinks you're a waste of time to interview. It is unlikely a mind game is being played here. That reason for the short interview could be because:
- The interviewer doesn't think the company needs a new person in that role.
- The interviewer knows the company isn't really going to hire someone in that role.
- The interviewer thinks you're totally unsuited for the job.
However, the reason doesn't really matter. They don't want you. Get over it and move on.
answered May 22 '16 at 14:49
Olin Lathrop
4,13811218
11
Another one is where the interview is a formality as they have an internal (or known) candidate but have to go through the motions of an external candidate.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
May 22 '16 at 15:51
Or they're looking to hire an H1-B and any American applicants will automatically be considered unqualified.
– Loren Pechtel
May 22 '16 at 20:03
2
@Loren: That makes no sense. Dealing with H1-B is never better than not having to deal with such issues at all.
– Olin Lathrop
May 23 '16 at 10:48
1
@LorenPechtel - I am an H1b and, assuming the company is at least trying to stay on the right side of the law, hiring an H1b is significantly more of a PITA than hiring an American for the job.
– brhans
May 24 '16 at 14:41
@brhans More hassle but less money. Most H1-Bs are unfair competition.
– Loren Pechtel
May 24 '16 at 18:32
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
18
down vote
Clearly that interviewer thinks you're a waste of time to interview. It is unlikely a mind game is being played here. That reason for the short interview could be because:
- The interviewer doesn't think the company needs a new person in that role.
- The interviewer knows the company isn't really going to hire someone in that role.
- The interviewer thinks you're totally unsuited for the job.
However, the reason doesn't really matter. They don't want you. Get over it and move on.
answered May 22 '16 at 14:49
Olin Lathrop
4,13811218
11
Another one is where the interview is a formality as they have an internal (or known) candidate but have to go through the motions of an external candidate.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
May 22 '16 at 15:51
Or they're looking to hire an H1-B and any American applicants will automatically be considered unqualified.
– Loren Pechtel
May 22 '16 at 20:03
2
@Loren: That makes no sense. Dealing with H1-B is never better than not having to deal with such issues at all.
– Olin Lathrop
May 23 '16 at 10:48
1
@LorenPechtel - I am an H1b and, assuming the company is at least trying to stay on the right side of the law, hiring an H1b is significantly more of a PITA than hiring an American for the job.
– brhans
May 24 '16 at 14:41
@brhans More hassle but less money. Most H1-Bs are unfair competition.
– Loren Pechtel
May 24 '16 at 18:32
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
18
down vote
up vote
18
down vote
Clearly that interviewer thinks you're a waste of time to interview. It is unlikely a mind game is being played here. That reason for the short interview could be because:
- The interviewer doesn't think the company needs a new person in that role.
- The interviewer knows the company isn't really going to hire someone in that role.
- The interviewer thinks you're totally unsuited for the job.
However, the reason doesn't really matter. They don't want you. Get over it and move on.
answered May 22 '16 at 14:49
Olin Lathrop
4,13811218
Clearly that interviewer thinks you're a waste of time to interview. It is unlikely a mind game is being played here. That reason for the short interview could be because:
- The interviewer doesn't think the company needs a new person in that role.
- The interviewer knows the company isn't really going to hire someone in that role.
- The interviewer thinks you're totally unsuited for the job.
However, the reason doesn't really matter. They don't want you. Get over it and move on.
answered May 22 '16 at 14:49
Olin Lathrop
4,13811218
answered May 22 '16 at 14:49
Olin Lathrop
4,13811218
answered May 22 '16 at 14:49
Olin Lathrop
4,13811218
answered May 22 '16 at 14:49
Olin Lathrop
4,13811218
4,13811218
11
Another one is where the interview is a formality as they have an internal (or known) candidate but have to go through the motions of an external candidate.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
May 22 '16 at 15:51
Or they're looking to hire an H1-B and any American applicants will automatically be considered unqualified.
– Loren Pechtel
May 22 '16 at 20:03
2
@Loren: That makes no sense. Dealing with H1-B is never better than not having to deal with such issues at all.
– Olin Lathrop
May 23 '16 at 10:48
1
@LorenPechtel - I am an H1b and, assuming the company is at least trying to stay on the right side of the law, hiring an H1b is significantly more of a PITA than hiring an American for the job.
– brhans
May 24 '16 at 14:41
@brhans More hassle but less money. Most H1-Bs are unfair competition.
– Loren Pechtel
May 24 '16 at 18:32
suggest improvements |Â
11
Another one is where the interview is a formality as they have an internal (or known) candidate but have to go through the motions of an external candidate.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
May 22 '16 at 15:51
Or they're looking to hire an H1-B and any American applicants will automatically be considered unqualified.
– Loren Pechtel
May 22 '16 at 20:03
2
@Loren: That makes no sense. Dealing with H1-B is never better than not having to deal with such issues at all.
– Olin Lathrop
May 23 '16 at 10:48
1
@LorenPechtel - I am an H1b and, assuming the company is at least trying to stay on the right side of the law, hiring an H1b is significantly more of a PITA than hiring an American for the job.
– brhans
May 24 '16 at 14:41
@brhans More hassle but less money. Most H1-Bs are unfair competition.
– Loren Pechtel
May 24 '16 at 18:32
11
11
Another one is where the interview is a formality as they have an internal (or known) candidate but have to go through the motions of an external candidate.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
May 22 '16 at 15:51
Another one is where the interview is a formality as they have an internal (or known) candidate but have to go through the motions of an external candidate.
– The Wandering Dev Manager
May 22 '16 at 15:51
Or they're looking to hire an H1-B and any American applicants will automatically be considered unqualified.
– Loren Pechtel
May 22 '16 at 20:03
Or they're looking to hire an H1-B and any American applicants will automatically be considered unqualified.
– Loren Pechtel
May 22 '16 at 20:03
2
2
@Loren: That makes no sense. Dealing with H1-B is never better than not having to deal with such issues at all.
– Olin Lathrop
May 23 '16 at 10:48
@Loren: That makes no sense. Dealing with H1-B is never better than not having to deal with such issues at all.
– Olin Lathrop
May 23 '16 at 10:48
1
1
@LorenPechtel - I am an H1b and, assuming the company is at least trying to stay on the right side of the law, hiring an H1b is significantly more of a PITA than hiring an American for the job.
– brhans
May 24 '16 at 14:41
@LorenPechtel - I am an H1b and, assuming the company is at least trying to stay on the right side of the law, hiring an H1b is significantly more of a PITA than hiring an American for the job.
– brhans
May 24 '16 at 14:41
@brhans More hassle but less money. Most H1-Bs are unfair competition.
– Loren Pechtel
May 24 '16 at 18:32
@brhans More hassle but less money. Most H1-Bs are unfair competition.
– Loren Pechtel
May 24 '16 at 18:32
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I would opine the following.
The person interviewing you knows his/her opinion would not matter. For example, I had an on-site interview where I met with several people. One of the interviews was with someone in upper management. It became very clear that this interview was just a formal procedure, since I will likely not be working with him anyways. It is the technical interviews with colleagues and team leader (this job was technical) that really counts. So he didn't care who the team picked. It simply did not matter to him, and he has other things on his plate to get to.
The person interviewing you is unsatisfied with his/her job. For instance, this person might be considering leaving the company and has no stake in whether you get hired or not. He/she is probably too busy trying to find his/her next gig.
answered May 22 '16 at 19:35
LCW
1412
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I would opine the following.
The person interviewing you knows his/her opinion would not matter. For example, I had an on-site interview where I met with several people. One of the interviews was with someone in upper management. It became very clear that this interview was just a formal procedure, since I will likely not be working with him anyways. It is the technical interviews with colleagues and team leader (this job was technical) that really counts. So he didn't care who the team picked. It simply did not matter to him, and he has other things on his plate to get to.
The person interviewing you is unsatisfied with his/her job. For instance, this person might be considering leaving the company and has no stake in whether you get hired or not. He/she is probably too busy trying to find his/her next gig.
answered May 22 '16 at 19:35
LCW
1412
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
I would opine the following.
The person interviewing you knows his/her opinion would not matter. For example, I had an on-site interview where I met with several people. One of the interviews was with someone in upper management. It became very clear that this interview was just a formal procedure, since I will likely not be working with him anyways. It is the technical interviews with colleagues and team leader (this job was technical) that really counts. So he didn't care who the team picked. It simply did not matter to him, and he has other things on his plate to get to.
The person interviewing you is unsatisfied with his/her job. For instance, this person might be considering leaving the company and has no stake in whether you get hired or not. He/she is probably too busy trying to find his/her next gig.
answered May 22 '16 at 19:35
LCW
1412
I would opine the following.
The person interviewing you knows his/her opinion would not matter. For example, I had an on-site interview where I met with several people. One of the interviews was with someone in upper management. It became very clear that this interview was just a formal procedure, since I will likely not be working with him anyways. It is the technical interviews with colleagues and team leader (this job was technical) that really counts. So he didn't care who the team picked. It simply did not matter to him, and he has other things on his plate to get to.
The person interviewing you is unsatisfied with his/her job. For instance, this person might be considering leaving the company and has no stake in whether you get hired or not. He/she is probably too busy trying to find his/her next gig.
answered May 22 '16 at 19:35
LCW
1412
answered May 22 '16 at 19:35
LCW
1412
answered May 22 '16 at 19:35
LCW
1412
answered May 22 '16 at 19:35
LCW
1412
1412
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I do not think there is a "mind game" going on.
Consider that they have filled the position. Or budget slashed. Or the interviewer was thrown in at the deep end at the last minute. Perhaps the interview has personal problems.
Either way - chalk it up to experience. It was a job that was not meant to be.
Better luck next time
edited May 22 '16 at 22:29
Kilisi
94.5k50216376
answered May 22 '16 at 14:48
Ed Heal
8,33421440
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
I do not think there is a "mind game" going on.
Consider that they have filled the position. Or budget slashed. Or the interviewer was thrown in at the deep end at the last minute. Perhaps the interview has personal problems.
Either way - chalk it up to experience. It was a job that was not meant to be.
Better luck next time
edited May 22 '16 at 22:29
Kilisi
94.5k50216376
answered May 22 '16 at 14:48
Ed Heal
8,33421440
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
I do not think there is a "mind game" going on.
Consider that they have filled the position. Or budget slashed. Or the interviewer was thrown in at the deep end at the last minute. Perhaps the interview has personal problems.
Either way - chalk it up to experience. It was a job that was not meant to be.
Better luck next time
edited May 22 '16 at 22:29
Kilisi
94.5k50216376
answered May 22 '16 at 14:48
Ed Heal
8,33421440
I do not think there is a "mind game" going on.
Consider that they have filled the position. Or budget slashed. Or the interviewer was thrown in at the deep end at the last minute. Perhaps the interview has personal problems.
Either way - chalk it up to experience. It was a job that was not meant to be.
Better luck next time
edited May 22 '16 at 22:29
Kilisi
94.5k50216376
answered May 22 '16 at 14:48
Ed Heal
8,33421440
edited May 22 '16 at 22:29
Kilisi
94.5k50216376
edited May 22 '16 at 22:29
Kilisi
94.5k50216376
edited May 22 '16 at 22:29
Kilisi
94.5k50216376
94.5k50216376
answered May 22 '16 at 14:48
Ed Heal
8,33421440
answered May 22 '16 at 14:48
Ed Heal
8,33421440
answered May 22 '16 at 14:48
Ed Heal
8,33421440
8,33421440
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
10
There are so many possible scenarios, it would be difficult to answer. But if I had been there, I would have just asked. "You don't seem interested in talking to me. So why am I here?"
– Stephan Branczyk
May 22 '16 at 16:05
1
Possible duplicate of What to do with a completely unprepared interviewer?
– Jim G.
May 22 '16 at 20:33
1
I was once told that I was hired at a company and that the last part of the process was to meet the CEO, merely as a formality. Otherwise, I was told "welcome aboard". I sat there for over an hour while I overheard the CEO in the room next door yakking on the phone about what restaurant to order food from. Ever seen the episode of Breaking Bad with that jerk Walt saw while standing in line that the bank? The CEO was basically that guy. Finally he came in, asked me a few questions, then walked out. 2 hours later, I got an email saying I wasn't hired. Sometimes people are just jerks.
– user10800
May 24 '16 at 18:03