Indiscreet Interviewer Shows Bad Form

Questions from Career Track Live, Mary Ellen Slayter's online discussion about issues affecting young workers.

Midwest: I recently went into a job interview for a summer research position on campus. While I was waiting to interview with the professor, I could see and hear her interviewing another student for what sounded like the same job. During the 10 or so minutes I was waiting (in the appropriately designated spot), it seemed that the professor had pretty much offered the other student the job. After listening to this, I was a little bit rattled going into the interview, and I don't think I did as well as I could have. Do you have any advice on dealing with this sort of composure-rattling situation?

First off, you had a bad interviewer. That was very poor form on the part of that professor. No matter how impressed she was by that particular candidate, she shouldn't have given the impression that she was making an decision on the spot like that. She should have been open-minded about the candidates she had coming in for interviews. Of course, she could have been hiring for more than one position. At the very least, she should have closed her door.

If it ever happens again, you have two options: One, walk away. Stand somewhere far enough away that you're out of earshot, but close enough that you can see when the other interview has ended.

The other option: Think of it as espionage. Instead of being rattled by knowing too much, work that interviewer's indiscretion to your advantage. By listening to that conversation, you can glean what the interviewer is looking for in a candidate. You know what questions she is likely to ask. Spend those few minutes thinking of how to polish up your answers.