Unpleasant HR Interview Experience: Is This What I Should Expect in the Future?

Hi All,

I recently had a very unpleasant interview for an HR role. This was my very first HR interview. There were two interviewers (both HR professionals); one was rude, and the other one really put me off. It seemed like it was too much effort to smile at me. The interview was very stressful, and I'm not sure if that was on purpose. Before this, I really wanted the role, but now I'm reconsidering just because of the interviewers' attitudes. The whole experience left me feeling yuck and incompetent, and I'm sure I blew it! I was wondering: Do I have to look forward to interviews like THIS in the future?? Has anyone else experienced similar interviews that have been unpleasant?

Hi,

It is indeed difficult to take at times. From the narration, it is tough to understand how they frustrated you. A stress interview is a method of interviewing people to gauge their tolerance and behavioral responses under stressful conditions. If the interviewer was trying to incorporate this on you, I am not sure whether I should back you up or them.

It is a fact that stress interviews are generally not used at lower/middle levels; rather, I am not sure. One such experience should not lead you to generalize the situation. This experience may be the first and the last for you; who knows? It has given you insight that there are possibilities for you to have similar experiences, which will help you prepare better.

I had an experience of me interviewing the interviewer after a while, when we got into a situation of egotistic affairs in terms of knowledge levels. ;)

Cheers

Hello friend,

I assume you are applying for your first job. If so, be prepared for challenging interviews as people often conduct stress interviews. I have also faced tough experiences and learned a lot. What it requires is maintaining your calm, being yourself, avoiding showing off, and, of course, always smiling. Your smile can win half the battle, believe me.

Goodbye and best of luck.

Hi,

As this was your first interview in HR, don't get disheartened. These are interview tactics. Normally, they are checking your confidence and tolerance levels. Since you are a fresher, that's why they are behaving like this.

They want to assess your potential, which they can further develop after hiring you. However, as you were not able to meet their expectations, consider reading some books that can boost your confidence and self-motivation. Keep participating in interviews wherever opportunities arise.

All the very best,
Parul.

Hi,

As this was your first interview, don't get disheartened. These are interview tactics. They are meant to challenge your confidence, tolerance, and behavioral responses in stressful situations. Try to increase your confidence level and self-motivation by reading books and appearing for as many interviews as you can.

All the very best.

Parul
HR Executive

Hi,

This was your first interview, and you had this bitter experience. Don't get upset by what has happened. And don't come to a conclusion that this is the same everywhere. If you want to be successful, just forget these things and try hard until you attain your goal.

Cheer up.

Hi Fiona,

Some call it Interview Tactics, and some something else. But I personally feel that it is neither of them. The interview process which you have gone through is a stressful and unpleasant process. The interviewers wanted to show some attitude as if they are big masters in their role. But the way they have behaved doesn't reflect that. A stress interview throughout the process gives the candidate a discouraging feeling about joining an organization.

Regards,
Kumarpal Jain

It's not so much the interview that upset me; it was the way they came across. It's not necessary to be hostile to a candidate. 😢

Thank you all for your comments and thoughts. I'll keep them in the front of my mind when the next opportunity may arise.

Don't give up like that. The clients will look for ready-made material as they can't spend a long time training the freshers, so wait until the door opens.

Regards,
Ram

Hi,

Since this was your first interview, please take it easy. Sometimes interviewers try various tactics to find out the perseverance and patience level in candidates. So cheer up and get ready for your next interview.

Best of luck! I am sure you will have a better experience next time.

Regards,
Krishnan

Yes, Fiona, even HR practitioners get this from their colleagues. Sometimes you wonder, where do they get their style.

I have had my share of bad HR interviewers every time I apply for a job. I am encouraging you to be patient and grow from this experience.

Fiona,

Ignore the worst scenarios; they are not guaranteed everywhere! Be confident, you are one good shot away from your goal!

Cheer!

Ananda

Dear Sunil,

I am a person who goes and conducts interviews for many firms. In fact, we ask this question, "Tell me about yourself," just to reduce the tension of the candidate.

When you are going to talk about yourself, give a brief description of your family and your native place. For example, you can say, "I am Sunil, staying with my parents in so and so place." Then mention your educational qualifications, such as, "I am a graduate in commerce from so and so college."

Don't elaborate too much on the above points. Instead, focus on what makes you a good fit for the company and how they will benefit from selecting you. Highlight your positive qualities like being a team player, hard worker, and having a positive attitude. If you are currently employed, mention the qualities for which you are recognized.

Remember, this question also tests your English language skills. Interviewers consider various factors in your answers, so make sure to present yourself well.

If you need more detailed guidance, feel free to contact me.

Kind regards

Sometimes interviewers stress you to just check your control on emotions and your stress management capabilities. Not to worry much, as you will go through more interviews, you will be more adept at handling them.

Dear,

In my opinion, no interview is conducted with a "pre-plan". It all depends on the interviewee and the interviewer. I have conducted many interviews for my office. The moment the person comes in and starts talking, I am able to assess him 50%. So, the next half will be based on the impression formed or created by the interviewee.

But in any interview, the interviewee has to be cool and talk to the point. If he does not know the answer, he can straight admit that he does not know. Giving extraneous replies or wrong answers will irritate the interviewer, and if you repeat the same for the next 2-3 questions, that is the end of it. The interview will turn out to be a nightmare, and they will all be set to ask questions to reject you.

At the end of the interview, you can even ask them what impression they have gotten of you, irrespective of the results, and tell them that you really want to learn from the interview. The feedback will help you prepare better for the next interview. There is nothing to panic about or get dejected about the behavior of the interviewers in your case.

Try to do better for the next interview. My best wishes!

V. Balaji