Eight Interviewing Styles

The Talker

The preferred environment for The Talker is a lunchtime interview. This allows the most sanguine of decision makers to treat themselves to a break from the office and a new audience that includes not only the interviewee but the restaurant staff and its customers. The Talker finds it important for you to know their resume, their philosophy, and the history of their organization. Usually very informative, The Talker tends to reveal both the good and the bad of a company with transparency, though if they are to be the candidate’s direct supervisor, The Talker may have a propensity for useless meetings and micro-management. During such an interview, the prospective employee has few opportunities to inject themselves into the discussion; therefore responses must be tactical. The Talker presents an air of intimacy which can tempt you to reveal more than you should.

The Dreamer

A whiteboard is the favorite tool of The Dreamer, and given the opportunity, they will use one in the interview, showing relationships, functions, and plans for the company. Often late for the interview, The Dreamer exudes thrill and contentment and can make any job–no matter how mundane–seem like paradise to the prospective employee. Note that the actual job is often very different from the one conceived in the gray matter of The Dreamer’s head. They will likely be a hands-off manager, leaving the new hire to float aimlessly or to create their own job description.

The Lord of the Manor

This interviewer wants you to appreciate their power and influence. Some take measured steps to show you that they have a large and dedicated support staff, a large desk, or a busy schedule. They will often assess you by your handshake and the first 90 seconds they spend with you. Working for The Lord of the Manor usually means infrequent praise, carefully defined rules, and personal distance. Become a trusted support of The Lord of the Manor, and you will typically be recognized with additional responsibilities and bonuses.

The Friend

Likeable and charming, The Friend wants you to like them, their company, and the job they are offering. They will indirectly indicate to a candidate that they are on the short list for the position, creating an immediate intimacy and partnership with the job seeker. They will be quick to send e-mails of follow-up, but are likely to be passive-aggressive when communicating a final decision. Working for The Friend gives a new employee and immediate advocate within the company and a trusted source for information and empathy.