We’ve all been there—feeling nervous and trying our best in an interview, hoping for a fair chance. But sometimes, instead of a conversation, interviews can become uncomfortable or downright disrespectful. I recently experienced an interview with Marq and Raquel, and let me tell you, Marq’s behavior was a huge red flag for me. In today’s blog, I’ll break down what went wrong in this interview, how it felt, and what both interviewers and candidates need to keep in mind to ensure a positive, professional experience.

What Went Wrong in the Interview:

• The Disrespectful Behavior:
  Marq’s lack of eye contact, dismissive attitude, and condescending tone made the whole interview feel like an exercise in futility. It’s disheartening to be in a situation where you’re doing your best to present your qualifications, but the interviewer doesn’t seem to care.

• How It Affected Me:
  It wasn’t just uncomfortable; it felt degrading. When I explained that I was willing to start from the ground up, his response was passive-aggressive, making me feel like my background wasn’t valued. This behavior not only made me question the interviewer but also made me reflect on the company’s culture.

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Good Interviewing Skills:

1. Eye Contact:

   • Why It Matters: Eye contact creates trust and shows you are engaged.

   • How to Do It: Maintain steady eye contact while listening and speaking. It helps create a connection.

2. Active Listening:

   • What It Is: Truly pay attention to the candidate’s responses and ask follow-up questions based on what they say.

   • Why It’s Important: It shows respect and lets you understand the candidate’s qualifications beyond surface-level responses.

3. Asking Open-Ended Questions:

   • What to Avoid: Yes/no questions or questions that don’t give the candidate room to elaborate.

   • Why It’s Important: Open-ended questions invite the candidate to showcase their skills and experience.

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How to Spot Red Flags:

• Signs the Job May Not Be a Good Fit:

  • If the interviewer seems uninterested or disengaged.

  • If the interviewer’s questions feel judgmental or don’t reflect your experience.

  • If you sense a lack of respect or professionalism in the room.

Interviews should be an opportunity for both parties to learn about each other. They should be about discovering if there’s a mutual fit. If you walk away feeling disrespected or undervalued, it may be a sign that the company’s culture isn’t aligned with your values. Remember to trust your instincts and never settle for less than the respect you deserve in an interview setting.

If you need more support preparing for interviews or navigating uncomfortable situations, reach out to MedXpressionz. We offer coaching, mock interviews, and personalized strategies to help you shine.

For the full story, please go listen to my podcast, The Medxpressionz’s Podcast | MedXpressionz LLC