Unconventional Interview Tactic: Candidate-Led Questioning Sparks Debate on Power Dynamics

A recent social media post by user "enji vi" has ignited discussion around an unorthodox interview strategy, claiming a friend successfully "cracked every single interview" by immediately questioning the interviewer. This approach, which involves the candidate initiating the conversation with direct inquiries to the interviewer, aims to shift traditional power dynamics.

According to enji vi's tweet, the friend would begin interviews by asking, "Oh, hi! We've not spoken before. Who are you, what do you do?" followed by questions like "what kind of skills are you testing me for" or "how do you want me to answer." The tweet asserts that this tactic transforms the interviewer into the one answering questions, portraying the candidate as a "charismatic leader" and highlighting the power of "small talk."

While the tweet suggests this method fosters a perception of leadership and charisma, career experts generally advise a more measured approach to candidate questioning. Many sources emphasize the importance of candidates asking thoughtful questions, typically reserved for the end of the interview, to demonstrate engagement and gather information. A LinkedIn article on interview power dynamics highlights that a candidate's influence largely depends on meeting interviewer expectations, and asking "what do you do?" without prior research can be detrimental.

The strategy of a candidate taking immediate control by questioning the interviewer at the outset is largely unconventional. Most advice focuses on candidates preparing insightful questions about the role, company culture, or team, which are usually posed after the interviewer has completed their initial assessment. The directness of the questions proposed in the tweet could be perceived as bold, but also potentially as unpreparedness or an attempt to dominate, rather than a collaborative exchange.

Ultimately, while the tweet's account highlights a unique and seemingly successful individual experience, the broader consensus among career professionals leans towards candidates demonstrating their capabilities and interest through well-researched, strategic questions asked at appropriate junctures in the interview process, rather than an immediate, power-shifting interrogation.