The staring contest

This is part of a series about first impressions from the Job Seeker's perspective.  Yes, these things do happen to other people too.

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One time during an interview, the manager came in the room, said hello and then just stared at me for about 5 minutes. It was complete silence. He was playing some kind of head game. I did not get the job. This was my worst interview.

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Our two cents:  Regardless of whether the candidate “passed” or “failed” the manager's test, we wonder about the strategy behind the behavior, and whether or not HR was even aware that the tactic was being used. Clearly the job seeker didn’t understand the point of the exchange. Unfortunately, rogue interviewing practices like this turn into the "word on the street," with untold repercussions for the company. Interview training, anyone?   

If you have a story to tell, send us an email.  We're not above changing the names to protect the innocent!

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