What Just Happened Decoding the Job Interview Marla Gottschalk

What Just Happened Decoding the Job Interview Marla Gottschalk Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash There is plenty of advice out there concerning what to say (and do) during an employment interview. However, there is little written about how to sort out the jumbled mess of emotions and observations that you are left with.   Even with the best of intentions and lists of smartly designed questions â€" interviewing is not (and never will be) a perfect process. In some situations, you are not really sure what has actually transpired. In fact, you may leave feeling you know less about your potential future there, than when you began. Over the years, Ive sat in many job interviews. Interestingly, even with my background, I was a poor bet to predict the outcome. However, looking back I could have nailed down the gestalt of the interview. This might have offered a clue as to what was about to transpire next. To be blunt, many organizations still do not have a clear structured interview process â€" and even if they do â€" the conversation could ramble off the grid. Paying close attention to these moments may offer needed clarity. Im like to share a few of my interview experiences; including what was said and how I felt after initially reflecting on the interview. Ill also let you know if I landed the role. #1 The Interview as a Call for Help In many situations, organizations are not really sure what they need. You may have responded to a specific job posting, however when you arrive its clear the situation is quite fluid. Ultimately, their actual needs become cloudier as the conversation continues. My read: They are in flux â€" but at the same time the prospect of challenge and growth increases. Truth: If the interview smacks of this, inquire about what they likely need to accomplish right now. Size up whether or not you fill that need â€" and if youd still like to pursue the relationship. Assess alignment and evaluate your chances from there. My scorecard with this scenario: Interviews 2; Adequate fit 0; Job Offers 0. (Quite satisfied with this outcome.) #2 Playing Close to the Cuff Many interviewers present as so professional, it is difficult to get a read on them as a human-being. There is little feedback or emotion and you have absolutely no idea where you stand. My read: This a no-nonsense interaction. Chances are you wouldnt be there if you were not qualified. If this is your potential boss, youll likely need to be a self-starter. Truth: You wont know, until you know. (I left the interview thinking this, Im never going to step foot in here again.) My scorecard with this scenario: Interviews 1; Job Offers 1. (Surprise.) #3 The Passive Aggressive Interview These interviews feel like a boxing match. The interviewer seems determined to show you every wart of the organization and wait to see if you will call their bluff. Its almost as if you are running a race â€" and with each successive hurdle you sustain an injury. Truth: I feel the interviewer(s) want you to be willing to endure, what they have endured. My read: The organization is likely unhealthy â€" so figure this into any decision. My scorecard: Interviews 3; Invitations to return for follow-up interviews 2 (Both respectfully declined.); Job Offers 0. #4 The Non-Interview This is really an endorsement for considering shorter-term projects, that may set you up nicely to land a longer-term role. There have been times during my path that could have been described as either in transition, tied to a particular geographic location or faced with a job market that was simply very challenging. My read: Part-time or project-based roles are great realistic job previews for you and the employer. Every workplace situation is essentially an interview, so gather as much information as possible. Truth: Your built network is vital to finding these gems. My scorecard: Interviews 3 ; Job Offers 2 (Both a great fit). What scenarios have you encountered? What were your strategies to decode the interview? Share them here. Dr. Marla Gottschalk is an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist. She is the Director of Organizational Development at Allied Talent.  A charter member of the LinkedIn Influencer Program, her posts on workplace topics have also appeared in Forbes, The Huffington Post, US News World Report and The World Economic Forum.