Learning to talk to a psychologist during an interview

The interview is a key stage of employment. The employer is interested not only in the work experience and professional skills of the applicant, but also in his personal qualities.

A psychological interview helps to understand a future employee. Knowing what to prepare for will improve your chances of getting a job.

How to recognize a psychological interview

Not only a psychologist can conduct such a conversation with a candidate. It is popular among recruiters, HR and even managers themselves to include psychological questions and techniques in the interview program. This helps to find out the level of ability to work, conflict levels and understand whether a person can be trusted at all.

If a specialist is valuable, it becomes clear how to work with him and how to motivate him.

When hiring domestic staff, employers are especially careful. For example, when inviting a nanny to your home, you need to find out the level of her social skills and balance. Equally important is the tendency to commit illegal acts, especially theft - there are other methods of checking household staff.

Filling out questionnaires takes a lot of time. Therefore, candidates are asked questions from such tests as if by chance.

They may relate to self-esteem:

— Have you often been refused employment? For what reason?

Or personal qualities:

— Why should you be chosen for this position?

If such questions are asked, the manager wants to find out what kind of person is in front of him.

During an interview with a psychologist or recruiter, they sometimes give express tests, for example: choose a shape, color, draw an animal. These are also methods of psychological analysis.

Why are applicants rejected?

In 2021, the most common reason for refusal to hire was salary: every third applicant wants to earn more than what the company offers.

About 20% of candidates for the position do not meet the job requirements.

In third place in terms of frequency are refusals to those who do not fit into the corporate culture.

It also happens that applicants refuse a job themselves - for example, because of a counteroffer. This happens when you come with a letter of resignation, and then the boss’s eyes are opened to your irreplaceability: you are offered a salary increase, career growth and half a kingdom in addition.

About 5% of refusals are due to age. Those at the greatest disadvantage are those under 25 and those over 50. The most sought-after age category is applicants between 30 and 35 years old.

HR people speak openly about these reasons. However, recruiters also have their secrets. For example, Peter Young, an HR manager with fifteen years of experience, claims that people most often refuse for one simple reason:

I didn't like you.

Yes, it's that simple. He put it on wrong, answered wrong, behaved wrong.

Now close social networks, chase away the cat and read carefully.

The correct reaction to psychological techniques

Psychological tricks will not frighten you if you are prepared for them. Read about frequently asked questions and methods beforehand. There are more correct and incorrect answers for each position. And some reactions will not be appreciated by any employer.

Psychological issues

Sometimes questions from psychological tests are included in the interview.

“Could you live alone, away from people?” This formulation is from the well-known questionnaires SMIL, Eysenck, Cattell, which we talked about in detail. The answers are related to different personality types. Take several of these tests before your interview so you know what to expect.

There is a difference between written and oral testing. This is an assessment of lies. If you answer “no” to the question “Have you ever lied in your life?” in a written test, this will make the candidate appear to be not the most honest person.

Excessive frankness during an interview reveals the inadequacy of the applicant. “Do you drink a lot?” - a person who honestly says that he drinks every evening will appear not only as having a problem with alcohol, but also as not accepting social norms.

Such obvious formulations are rare. Psychologists' interview questions usually sound different.

• If you could be an animal, what would you be? Why?

Such an ambiguous question has no correct answer. Allows you to evaluate a candidate's creativity and ability to make quick decisions. Additionally, you can find out a little about the candidate’s logic and aggressiveness. The main thing is to react calmly. Voice your opinion calmly and reasonably.

• Have you often been refused employment? Why?

Questions like these are aimed at determining self-esteem. It is worth sticking to the golden mean in describing qualities. Presenting yourself in a negative light and listing all the bad things will not benefit the candidate. Presentation in ideal light is not realistic. Everyone has shortcomings, and the employer understands this.

This is a provocative question: candidates often start blaming others. “They didn’t take me because they were fools!” Most likely, such an applicant will speak poorly of the new boss. Management values ​​loyal employees more.

The boss may look at bad and good qualities differently. Thus, lack of punctuality is often acceptable for creative people.

However, when talking about shortcomings, you should resort to one psychological technique. End the thought on a positive note. “I am sometimes late for work, but I organize my day so that I get everything done.” Here both the disadvantage and what mitigates it are communicated.

• Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

A reliable candidate is a person with a clear future. Having plans for life indicates a positive outlook on the world and organization. “I don’t know what will happen to me. “It’s too far” is the wrong answer for any position. Even if you don't have plans, you should think about them before your psychological job interview.

• What difficult situations have you had to deal with?

This is not a question about past experience. It is much more important how the candidate can cope with problems and what he finds difficult. You should talk in detail about your method of solving a difficult situation, the experience gained, and what the problem taught you. It is not recommended to discuss the topic of relationships with colleagues and management. A story about a relationship can create an image of a conflicted person.

• Why should we hire you?

This question requires a clear answer. Evaluates the desire to work in this particular position and understanding of responsibilities. They better perceive candidates with fire in their eyes, eager to get to work. If a manager or psychologist gets the impression that the applicant is doing a favor by applying for a job, that he doesn’t care, he will not become an employee.

• Tell us about your achievements

A specific answer is awaited to this question. According to one of the theories in psychology, when applying for a job, the answer should be given depending on the age of the interlocutor. In a conversation with a 20-30 year old recruiter, you need to reveal in detail all your successes, talk about your skills and advantages. If the interlocutor is 30-50, then you need to focus on creativity in solving problems and the ability to harmoniously distribute time between the areas of work and personal life.

• What would you say if I rated you as a weak candidate?

The purpose of stressful questions is to tap into emotions. They show how a person reacts to critical situations, his ability to quickly navigate.

They also include personal questions: “Are you pregnant?”, “Why did you separate from your last husband?” These are formulations bordering on etiquette. They are aimed at getting a reaction from the candidate. Don't be aggressive and don't worry. You can calmly and tactfully refuse to answer if this topic is unpleasant to you.

• Did you lie to your previous boss? Answer quickly!

Lightning-fast responses require testing your reaction speed and ability to switch from topic to topic. There is no way to prepare for them. If a candidate is used to a measured pace of work, such a manager will probably not be suitable for him. During the interview, you can emphasize that leisurely people are more organized.

• I do not understand!

Repeating a question multiple times, asking for clarification, asking again are techniques to test patience and the ability to explain clearly. Remain calm and do not give in to provocations.

First minute

So, you have met the person who will conduct the interview. Perhaps this will happen in the corridor or you will have to look for an office yourself. Immediately prepare yourself for the fact that the employer or personnel employee is not obliged to be friendly with you. Quite the opposite often happens. Most likely, there were already candidates before you, and besides, for them this is a regular working day. The human factor comes into play: at the time of the appointment, they may be tired, nervous, annoyed, irritated.

At first glance, try to assess their mood and state in order to behave accordingly. If the HR manager smiles at you, smile back. If the employer frowns, there is no need to demonstrate deliberate gaiety; show yourself as a serious person.

Be sure to say hello politely and in a friendly tone.

Many male job seekers are unsure whether to shake the hand of the male interviewer. According to the rules of etiquette, this is done only if he offers his hand first. Otherwise, the initiative will be viewed as familiarity and excessive self-confidence.

Under no circumstances should you jabber or overwhelm the employer with questions about where to send your documents, whether they need your photograph for their personal file, etc. If this is your first interview, first establish contact. To do this, it is enough to limit yourself to a short but pleasant phrase. For example: “Your office is so conveniently located - it wasn’t difficult to find you,” or “What a bright room!”, or “You have an original interior.”

You can sit down only after you are asked to do so and indicated where.

Additional Interview Techniques

During the conversation, the candidate may be given additional tasks. In abstract tests it is more difficult to make an appropriate decision. There are such options.

1. Drawings.

   During the conversation, the candidate is told: “Draw a tree.” Such interview tricks help to obtain additional information. The applicant is busy talking and has less control over drawing. You need to accept the task calmly. Try to draw symmetrically and in detail. Colors should not be dark

2. Color test.

   Determines emotional state. The candidate is given cards with flowers and asked to name from the most pleasant to the most unpleasant. The latter should be called black, gray, brown and purple.

3. Geometric test.

   They are asked to rank five figures according to their degree of attractiveness. The first named figure is evaluated. The choice of a square speaks of a tireless and scrupulous worker. The rectangle indicates a desire for change, a need for a vacation. Triangle figure of leaders. For candidates who choose the circle, good relationships with people are more important. Zigzag is chosen by non-standard, creative people.

What to do after the phrase “We will call you back”

The interview is over, they said goodbye to you and told you when they will inform you about the decision. By the way, if you showed a future workplace, this is a good sign: most likely, your candidacy received a plus.

But if you feel that everything didn’t go as you wanted, try writing a follow-up.

A follow-up letter is written to remind you of yourself, ask a question that was forgotten during the interview, and once again thank you for the meeting. And, let’s be honest, such a letter will help you stand out among other candidates.

And now about the sad thing - what to do if you still don’t get the job.

First of all, don't despair. The employer's motives can be completely unpredictable. We know cases where applicants were rejected:

• Because of the appearance. The applicant seemed too beautiful to the employer - she would distract her colleagues from their work
• Because of age and gender. We decided that the applicant, a 26-year-old man, would not find a common language with the team, most of which were women over 50 years old
• Due to marital status. The applicant was married, but so far without children - they decided that she would soon go on maternity leave
• Because of temperament. The applicant seemed too phlegmatic - they were afraid that he would not fit into the active team

Secondly, be sure to ask why you were rejected. Explain that you want to work on yourself. This can be very useful - you will understand where to develop. Thirdly, be correct and polite with the recruiter. Perhaps he will remember you and recommend you to a friend.

There may be another case - your candidacy was approved, but during this time you found a more advantageous offer or changed your mind about quitting.
Don't disappear and don't turn off your phone. Calmly and politely tell the recruiter the truth and be sure to add something good - how you liked the atmosphere at the interview and the company in general.

Psychological secrets when applying for a job

Interview psychology involves more than just assessing the candidate's questions and reactions. The employer evaluates the appearance, posture and even manner of speech.

Language of the body

Nervous gestures say a lot about a candidate. Tapping your fingers and twirling your hair around your fingers indicate impatience. This is not the best quality. Also, nervousness during an interview may mean that the candidate is hiding some facts and is afraid of disclosure.

Concealment of information is also indicated by hidden hands under the table or in pockets. This is an ambiguous gesture, but it forms an impression of the candidate. A too relaxed posture shows disrespect for the interview and the desired position. This approach may offend the boss.

In the psychology of job interviews, it is believed that it is best to keep your palms open on the table. The pose should be moderately restrained, but not constrained.

Keep eye contact. Candidates who look the other person in the eye are rated higher. Speech should be clear, moderately loud and expressive. Applicants with an inexpressive manner of presenting information are not remembered.

Fashion style

The candidate’s appearance will help you earn trust and get a better reference from a psychologist. It is necessary to match the style adequate to the desired job. Find out in advance what they wear in the organization where you are applying. On a subconscious level, people perceive similar things more easily.

Dress appropriately for the conditions, and you will quickly be accepted as one of their own. This psychological technique in an interview is similar to mirroring: a person who copies the gestures and postures of the interlocutor is more trustworthy.

When joining a family, the color of clothing is of great importance. When getting a job as a manager, you can wear black - this will indicate leadership qualities. But if you choose this color to work with children, the parent will conclude that they have negative attitudes or a tendency toward depression.

Avoid purple, this color gives an ambiguous characteristic. May make you seem too frivolous. Young children perceive people better in light-colored clothing. Female applicants should prefer discreet makeup.

Several accents

Before you go for an interview, focus on several points that may prevent you from acting naturally and at ease. Remember that every little detail plays a role in achieving success in this business:

1. Be mentally prepared for success and feel confident.
2. Prepare and take with you a package of documents that will be needed: passport, education diploma, resume, certificates, diplomas, work book.
3. Think over the appearance: hairstyle, clothes, shoes, accessories, fragrance, and for girls - makeup.
4. Get enough sleep the night before.
5. Don't be late.
6. Be positive, in a good mood.
7. Provide yourself with fresh breath: brush your teeth, do not smoke in the morning, use mint chewing gum or menthol lozenges just before the interview.
8. Turn off or put your mobile phone on silent mode.

Believe me: even if you are positive and confident, a vibrating phone in your pocket or a question about the circles under your eyes after a sleepless night can unsettle you and ruin everything.

General recommendations

There are several more important points in answering the question of how to pass an interview with a psychologist.

Come alone.

It is better to leave the support group (girlfriend, husband/wife) at a distance from the interview site. You may seem like a dependent person. This is especially true for those who come to work with their mother.

Outright lies are prohibited.

An experienced specialist will see through the lies, and the desired position will become unavailable. If a lie is not recognized during an interview, it will be revealed during the work process. This will result in dismissal and negative reference from this place of employment.

Listen carefully to the questions.

Try to answer exactly what you were asked about, without unnecessary reasoning. For example, if they ask about their personal life, a short answer is sufficient. There is no need to talk about conflicts and characteristics of your partner. Extra information creates a negative impression.

Avoid negative characteristics.

Even if you are unhappy with your former boss, you should restrain your emotions. Negativity toward your boss, co-workers, and family will only make you look bad.

Ask questions.

Interest in the job will show you as an interested candidate. And a non-standard question will make it memorable.

Respect personal space.

Allowing familiarity, hugging a psychologist, or sitting too close is unacceptable, even if the candidate was greeted by a friendly atmosphere. This will show an inability to respect boundaries and subordination.

Cope with anxiety.

If you don’t know how to behave during an interview with a psychologist, practice dialogues with friends. Think about what will help you feel less nervous. Anxious candidates are rated lower than calmer ones.

If you refuse, don't despair.

If this is your dream job, you can try again in six months.
It is believed that during this period, data on traits and qualities lose relevance. People change. And if you want to look for a more suitable job right now, you will find it on 7hands.com. 1 thousand 5.0 Rate this article Published: 05/26/2021

General Tips

A few more general points on how to win over:

1. Be internally confident in your abilities, do not allow failure in your thoughts - this will affect your demeanor and convince the employer that you know your worth.
2. If you start to get nervous, abstract yourself. Imagine yourself and the interviewer in an informal setting: on the beach, in an amusement park. This will relieve tension.
3. If you can't look straight into your eyes, choose a point on the bridge of your nose or in the center of your forehead.
4. If you don't like the person you're talking to or they annoy you, don't show it.
5. Don't let yourself belittled. Protect your dignity.
6. Don't be surprised by anything and don't react too emotionally to unexpected situations.

Solve any interview situation from the point of view of the position for which you are applying.

Lie detector

According to the study, in Russia every tenth company uses a lie detector - a polygraph. Usually you are asked to take a polygraph if the position involves money or secrets.

Remember, you cannot fool a polygraph. But you can refuse to undergo testing.

It is enough to refer to your state of health. Officially, an employer cannot force you to undergo a polygraph test, which means your refusal should not affect the outcome of the interview.

If you agree to be tested, answer confidently and mentally imagine everything you are talking about - this will add a percentage of sincerity to you.

Block 5. Offer

There are 2 main models of behavior on the offer:

1. Leaving go
2. Bargain to get the maximum amount of money

Both approaches have a right to exist, the first is more noble and easier to communicate.

1. Leaving go. The position is that I decided to leave because... I’m not happy with something and no amount of frantic wads of money will stop me, it arouses enthusiasm among recruiters. Think twice, because... The current employer is not a stranger to you and you need to part as friends.
2. Bargain. The main thing is to stay within the agreed terms. You received an offer, ask for N days to think about it. During this time, go to the manager and ask what they can offer. If you were outbid, tell the boldly offering company that your current employer has offered an interesting option and you have serious doubts. Perhaps the new company will donate more money. If your employer is pulling the cat by the tail, warn the new company about it. Believe me, they will wait for you if everything is done as a human being, and not at the last moment.

There are many offers, but I am alone. How to choose from N number of offers?

• Salary _ It's easy - wherever there is more, go there. If this is not the most important thing and/or the order of the amounts differs slightly for your standard of living, then move on.
• Development prospects. Unfortunately, IT professions do not allow you to sit on your butt all your life, so companies that, in addition to money, can offer training or assistance in this matter, is really cool.
  You need to philosophize - does the new position repeat the functionality that you have now? Does the position develop your related skills? How are the career paths of people who were in this position before you? Does the company provide training or do they pay for something? If you haven’t found anything critical in your research on this topic, move on.
• Team .
  You come to work not for the entire company, but for a specific team with a specific management. You can be in no matter how wonderful an international company you want, but if your future boss is an eccentric, nothing will save you. If SUDDENLY this is not expected, then ask for a personal interview with the manager. Don’t be shy to ask him how he got into the company, what he likes here, ask him to tell you about the team and listen to what qualities he emphasizes. Also, his former colleagues and subordinates can tell you whether your future boss is an eccentric, which is why it is so important to collect information about the employer before accepting an offer.
• Corporate culture of the company. Despite the fact that you will be working with a concrete and not an abstract team, the fish still rots from the head. If you are a shareholder with “interesting” assets, or a company throws ashtrays at employees (and this happens in Russian realities), then no wonderful boss will save you. Yes, it will smooth out the corners, but it will not save you and, most likely, you will soon sharpen your skis.

Sources

• Blazin LJ., Terao MA., Spraker-Perlman H., Baker JN., McLaughlin Crabtree V., Mandrell BN., Gattuso J., Sellers J., Dunn TJ., Lu Z., Hoffman JM., Burlison JD. Never Enough Time: Mixed Methods Study Identifies Drivers of Temporal Demand That Contribute to Burnout Among Physicians Who Care for Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Patients. // JCO Oncol Pract - 2021 - Vol - NNULL - p.OP2000754; PMID:33720755
• Pelleg AR., Schiller G., Goldhirsch SL., Fernandez HM., Lindenberger EC. Geriatrics and palliative medicine leadership is needed now more than ever: What are the training gaps? // J Am Geriatr Soc - 2021 - Vol69 - N4 - p.1063-1070; PMID:33580716
• Smith M.J., Sherwood K., Ross B., Smith JD., DaWalt ​​L., Bishop L., Humm L., Elkins J., Steacy C. Virtual interview training for autistic transition age youth: A randomized controlled feasibility and effectiveness trial. // Autism - 2021 - Vol - NNULL - p.1362361321989928; PMID:33567883
• Zamanzadeh V., Ghahramanian A., Valizadeh L., Bagheriyeh F., Lynagh M. A scoping review of admission criteria and selection methods in nursing education. // BMC Nurs - 2021 - Vol19 - N1 - p.121; PMID:33317532
• Toth-Pal E., Fridén C., Asenjo ST., Olsson CB. Home visits as an interprofessional learning activity for students in primary healthcare. // Prim Health Care Res Dev - 2021 - Vol21 - NNULL - p.e59; PMID:33298216
• Luo AJ., Xu ZH., Cai PP., He HY., Mao P., Xie WZ. Qualitative Study on the Influencing Factors and Countermeasures Against Job Burnout Among Organ Donation Coordinators. // Front Public Health - 2020 - Vol8 - NNULL - p.571514; PMID:33194972
• Vaingankar JA., Teh WL., Roystonn K., Goh J., Zhang YJ., Satghare P., Shahwan S., Chong SA., Verma S., Tan ZL., Tay B., Maniam Y., Subramaniam M Roles, Facilitators and Challenges of Employment Support Specialists Assisting Young People with Mental Health Conditions. // J Occup Rehabil - 2021 - Vol - NNULL - p.; PMID:33090356
• Lartey JKS., Osafo J., Andoh-Arthur J., Asante KO. Emotional experiences and coping strategies of nursing and midwifery practitioners in Ghana: a qualitative study. // BMC Nurs - 2021 - Vol19 - NNULL - p.92; PMID:33041657
• Selvam R., Hu R., Musselman R., Raiche I., Moloo H. Video-based interviewing in medicine: protocol for a scoping review. // Syst Rev - 2021 - Vol9 - N1 - p.219; PMID:32977852
• Dekker A.E., Kleiss I., Batra N., Seghers M., Schipper IB., Ring D., Claborn K. Patient and clinician incentives and barriers for opioid use for musculoskeletal disorders a qualitative study on opioid use in musculoskeletal setting. // J Orthop - 2021 - Vol22 - NNULL - p.184-189; PMID:32419762

Block 5. Leaving the company

You leave the company, but the manager's broken heart will never be whole again.
Leave like a human being, you may still need recommendations from your manager or HR. At the same time, it’s not a fact that you will become a favorite in the new team, but in the old one you’ve already settled in and can ask for advice, unless, of course, you didn’t screw up before leaving. What to do:

• Communicate your departure personally to your team, key stakeholders and clients in the simplest and most concise manner possible. Don’t indulge in multi-layered explanations, don’t say how sick you are of everything, avoid comparing your current employer with your new one, don’t complain that you weren’t appreciated at all here. It would seem that these are obvious things, but there are often situations when they are neglected even by people in very high positions;
• Don't rush to leave as soon as possible. Yes, the new employer is eager to “introduce you to a new faith,” but you are probably involved in many processes that require thoughtful transfer. Two weeks were invented for a reason. Don’t worry, they will wait for you at the new place;
• Plan handovers. Set up meetings with key people, create guidelines for the processes for which you are responsible, keep important files in the public domain, pass on secret knowledge to your colleagues. Make sure that everything doesn’t bend after you;
• Don't score. Two weeks of work is a difficult period from a psychological point of view. It seems like you still need to work, but you don’t really want to anymore. Pull yourself together and don’t slow down - everything that you lose sight of will have to be sorted out by your colleagues;
• Write farewell email. This is, of course, a formality, but in most cases it is not superfluous. Just DO NOT send a newsletter to the entire company (if there are more than 20 people in it), add only those with whom you actually interacted with recipients, and write something truly sincere;
• Throw a going away party. Seriously - it's like an unplanned birthday. Another reason to gather your colleagues together and say how great it was to work with them.

Short:

• be polite and attentive;
• don't piss the excitement away because you were called for an interview not as a joke, but because you are good;
• stay conscious please;
• go to work where there is everything that is important to you;
• When leaving the company, show yourself more as a friend than as a colleague.

Be cool and everyone will want you!