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Hiring Job Interviews Self-Insight Job Applicants Interrupting

I was interviewing a very promising applicant, but she interrupted me several times. I tried to keep talking, but she did not let up. We really need to fill this position, and she has the skills. Do you think her interruptions are enough of an issue to eliminate her from consideration?



When employers hire out of a state of desperation, they typically end up in a state of exasperation. You have found an applicant who has the skills to do the job, but she appears to have at least one characteristic that could undermine her effectiveness.

Importantly, many people who fail at work can do their jobs, but they have various traits that get in the way. This applicant may fall into that category.

When people interrupt, it can be a sign of rudeness, self-centeredness, poor perception of cues that others are sending, or a failure to listen. A job interview is the last place where an individual should be interrupting anyone, and that fact that she was doing so in this context raises questions about her judgment and how she would act if she were hired.

However, a little introspection is helpful here, too. If you are long-winded, this applicant may have interrupted you because she wanted to get a few words about herself into the interview. If you are in doubt, bring her back, not only for an interview with you but with some of your colleagues as well. With additional data, you will have no trouble determining if she is prone to interacting or interrupting.



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