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The Crucial Interview Question That Won't Be Asked Out Loud

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What if my interviewer is dysfunctional in some way? This is when you need to be extra compassionate. Maybe your interviewer is shy, inexperienced, tired, or just has poor social skills. Be kind. Reach out to that person. Think more about that person’s mental state than about your own. Help your interviewer to relax by being relaxed yourself.
Run ... as fast as you can. This is a clear sign that whomever you are interviewing with IS unprofessional and/or has NO idea what your job actually entails. This should be a warning sign! Sometimes we have to take what we do because of time constraints but if you have the option of continuing to interview, by all means, do so.
P.S. I followed the suggestions above and wound up being tortured/abused by the very same people who interviewed me who exhibited these behaviors.

B. Dal of PA 4:53PM April 26, 2011

This is a good post, however, it should be emphasized that sometimes because we NEED a job, we neglect our needs. Then we find ourselves in jobs that are a bad fit for us, and then wonder how we got there. The interview is as much for the interviewee as it is for the employer. I have found one of the best aspects about networking is you can ask people "what's it like to work for XYZ Company?", and probably get an honest answer.

Gigi Jones of GA 1:34PM September 25, 2010

Yes, that's the overarching question a hiring manager is trying to answer during and after the interview. But at the same time, the personal interaction between hiring manager and candidate can go a long way to help the candidate determine if the job and the company would be a good fit for him or her.
Nice post Karen! I especially like your point about not being a toady.

Rick Saia of MA 12:43PM April 15, 2010