What Experts Never Tell You About Job Interviews

Most career experts paint a strangely genteel picture of the job search process. The myriad of books on the subject typically describe a bizarre, surreal world in which the quest for greater employment is conducted with the calm demeanor of a 19th Century parlor discussion.

In keeping with that notion, most career experts advise that job seekers follow a methodical, step-by-step method of answering questions according to established lists of questions, always seeking the most sterile, acceptable answer that will skirt the issue as much as possible.

But it's rarely that neat. There's too much at stake on both sides. There are too many variables. Personalities rarely click as immediately as most experts imply.

Here's the less-pretty truth about job interviews.

It's war
When you shake hands with the hiring manager and step into his office, both of you are probably smiling - or at least trying your best to. But don't be deceived. This is a dogfight. He's trying to determine what isn't acceptable about you and you're trying not to get passed over. If you want the job enough to cook up an excuse to take a morning off of work, then there's probably enough at stake that you don't want to get cut out after one round. And yet he relents. He's trying to bust you down. You think, "He's a nice guy. But why is he still pounding on me about that project? (sweat bead rolls down) How can I counter that? (heart pounds) He's wrapping up early. I think I'm losing him. How can I bring him back? (mouth goes dry)" Over the course of an interview, you can feel like you've lost a pound or two just in sweat. Clearly this is no parlor discussion.