Find something to read should the interviewers ignore you for a while

I went for an interview and as soon as I was ushered in and offered a seat, the entire panel went into a private discussion. What was I supposed to do while waiting for them to finish their consultations? Looking at them would have appeared awkward.

Truphena

It is difficult to determine whether the interviewers were testing you or they actually had something they needed to sort out before the interview. Whatever the case, what you do in such a circumstance may say something about you.

If they are not watching you, you may become nervous about what to do, especially if you think about the impression you would create by what you choose to do.

They may not see you as they talk between themselves, but they are likely to judge you by what they find you doing once they are done with their consultation. There are a number of things you can do.

You may look at them as they talk, but if what they are discussing is private, they may get the impression that you are intrusive. They may deem you as being nosy. This is not the kind of impression you want to create.

You might decide to enjoy the surrounding scenes through the window. If they are talking, they will not be able to see you, but if they do, or after they finish and find you looking outside, they could perceive you as someone who is able to give way for people to sort out their issues.

If getting you back means that they have to raise their voices, then the impression will be that you lack concentration. They might also assume that you don’t have a strong interest in the job. Even though anxiety is normal among job seekers, they would expect you to be attentive to a call to resume the interview.

You could also choose to peruse the documents that you are carrying. This comes out as the more responsible reaction. But depending on the type of organisation and culture, this may also be perceived negatively.

Organisations that have a history of not recruiting by merit are likely to parade a panel consisting of persons with qualifications that are not very competitive. Such persons might see you as a show off if you go through your testimonials. This kind of perception is likely to breed defensive interview questions.

If there is any literature concerning the organisation available, you may choose to go through it. This is likely to show that you have interest in not only learning new things, but also in working with the organisation. It also gives you a platform to build a rapport with the panel.

Imagine when they are done with their consultation and you throw them a compliment based on the literature you have just read! Your observations might impress the panel even before the interview begins.

If you consider your presence in the room as uncomfortable to the panel, you may request that you be allowed to step outside until they finish their consultations. This is respectable and you stand a chance to market yourself on aspects that conventional interview questions may not reveal.

In the end, the choice is yours. You know the organisation and you can see what is available. This should help you determine what you do.

For career/education advice Write to: dn2@ke.nationmedia.com