All interviewers will each have their own style or interviewing technique but basically there are six different types of interviewer, these are the absentee, the buddy, the inquisitor, the laser beam, the shotgun and the silver bullet.

It is helpful if you can determine which type of interviewer you have got for your interview then you are able to take steps to adjust your approach to the interview. If you can recognise the form of the interviewer then you will be more prepared and seem more on top.

The absentee

Sometimes the interviewer will come across as though they are not actually there with you in the room, they seemingly are miles away. This could be because of two main reasons, it could be due to work issues or the interviewer could be totally unprepared for the interviewer of a newcomer to interviewing.

It will almost be impossible for you to make any kind of impression on someone so distracted so the best thing you can do is to keep things as simple as possible. If you think the problem might lie with time issues then you could ask if they would like to reschedule the interview.

The buddy

• This type of interviewer will smile a lot, joke around and tell you to relax. There are really two kinds of this type of interviewer one that uses this method to cover his inadequacies of his/her interview techniques and who really wants to be liked and make a good impression and the ones that are expert in interviewing and genuinely want to put you at ease.

They will want to put you at ease because this way they can get you to open up easier and gather more information from you.

• Your best strategy for dealing with this type of interviewer is to act in a friendly manner back but keep up your guard during the interview.

The Inquisitor

• This type of interviewer is tough; they will never crack a smile and will generally bombard you with tough Questions.
• Your best strategy is to remain cool and positive and show confidence throughout the interview, also remember that his attitude isn’t aimed at you in particular and it also doesn’t mean that you won’t get the job.

The laser beam

• This type of interviewer will always focus on one topic more than others for example, reaching job sales quotas.
• Your best strategy for dealing with this type is to fully answer all Questions on his/her favourite subject and try and move on.

The shotgun

• This type of interviewer will fire quick round questions at you, one after the other he will be talking about one topic then quickly move on to another very fast.
• Your best approach for dealing with this type of interviewer is to turn this to your advantage in relating your strengths on a wide variety of topics.

The silver bullet

• This type of interviewer will firmly believe that your answer to one certain question that he will put to you will determine if you are a suitable candidate for the position. The interviewer will ask you several questions before looking intently at you leaning back in his chair and firing the number one question at you.
• There is only one way you can deal with type of interviewer and that is to answer the “magic” questions as fully and honestly as you can and move on.