Nowadays a lot of companies hire candidates based on whether or not they firmly fit that business's culture. If you are going to be working 40 hours a week, it's good to know whether this person will "fit in" or get along with the rest of a company's team.
One way an employer may examine your cultural fit? A good ol' fashion "good cop, bad cop" interview.
For those who are unfamiliar of what a good cop, bad cop interview is, the answer is it is kind of like what you see in the movies. Although no one gets physically hurt in the process, dreams certainly can.
At some point in time during your career you will likely experience a good cop, bad cop interview.
The purpose of a good cop, bad cop interview is to see how candidates react under different pressures.
Both "cops" or interviewers interrogate the candidate using questions regarding the position and career choice in different tones.
From my experience, a good cop can be the kindest, calmest person out of an interview experience, but also the reason why you may have not been offered a position in the first place. Good cops are very laid back. They don't ask very many difficult questions and are extremely conversational (I even had a good cop interviewer offer me a beer before my interview, but start-ups right?). But between all the chillness of a good cop is a lot of observation.
So when you realize your good cop interviewer has come along keep in mind:
- They are not your friend.
- Do not be too warmed up to their kindness just yet.
- You are being tested.
- If he or she is slouching, retain your posture.
- Remind them of why you would be a great fit to the company's culture and the position.
- You can be friends after, if you get the position.
Moving onto the bad cop: This interviewer may have you questioning life and whether you may even want to work for a company, but keep in mind this is a role they are playing. Try not to take it personally.
Also keep the following in mind:
- Take deep breaths and an appropriate amount of time to conjure up your responses. The question will more than likely be harder than the good cop interview. A challenging question I have been asked is: "Tell me about something you believe in that no one else does and why?"
- Try not to argue with your interviewer. It's good to have a response to each question and better to not stumble, but arguing is inappropriate. Keep in mind this is still someone who has some leverage on whether or not you get hired.
- If you feel a little anxious afterwards find a healthy way to release that energy. I have come home after interviews crying, not because I was mad at my interviewer, but because that was my way of releasing the energy out.
Finally, if you do get an offer do not let the "art" of the interview completely deteriorate your impression of the company. It's still okay to say no and seek other opportunities, but do not expect this to be your final good cop, bad cop experience.
