Handling worst-case interviews

How to disarm a cranky person

The situation: Your interviewee has made it clear he’d rather swim in a shark-infested pool than spend the next 30 minutes answering your questions.

Show enthusiasm. People like people who like them. They also talk more to people who like them.

Be yourself. Come to the party prepared to let your personality show through. People appreciate the genuine article.

Find common ground. Connect over pets, family or a National Lampoon-worthy summer vacation.

Compliment. Telling someone you love their fruitcake never hurts.

How to get someone talking

The situation: If you had a dollar for every one-word answer you got from this interviewee, you could buy the state of Montana. And the cattle.

Throw a softball. Asking a simple question isn’t a reflection of your intelligence, and it might encourage the person to go ahead and take a swing.

Embrace silence. Wait patiently, and the person will feel just awkward enough to start filling in the pauses.

Listen intently. Pick up on a word or phrase and repeat it back to the interviewee. You can often get juicier details.

Start with H. Ask questions that demand more than short answers. How does that work? How did you learn that? How much do you know about Area 51?

How to tackle a technical subject

The situation: Your neurons are already working overtime just to figure out whose birthday it is and how much longer you can wait before the dry cleaner donates your clothing to charity. How can you possibly master the inner workings of a widget too?

Admit ignorance. You don’t have to know it all, and no one expects you to.

Draw a comparison. Say that you need an explanation simple enough for your mother-in-law to understand. An analogy is even better.

Ask questions twice. Ask the question several times, rephrase it or come back to it later. People won’t think it’s Groundhog Day. Promise.

How to regain control of a conversation

The situation: Your interviewee has veered off course, expounding on her obsessive dental hygiene habits or her lifelong search for the ultimate tuna sandwich.

Redirect. Intervene and ask, “How does this relate to the bigger picture?”

Close it up. Ask a question that has a yes or no answer, then follow up with a relevant, open-ended question.

Pledge to call. Let the person know that if you get mired in the details, you’ll call for help.

How to leave the door open

The situation: The demands of your job mean you’re going to be on this person like a bee swarming a picnic. You want to create a responsive, long-term contact.

Offer a review. Buy goodwill by letting the person weigh in on the product to ensure everything is accurate.

Network. Ask if there are other people you should speak to. It sends the message that you respect the person’s time. Bonus! You get a new contact.

Send finals. Help build the person’s portfolio by passing along the finished project.