I interviewed today with Oppenheimer, which holds a great reputation in ER. The person interviewing me was extremely awkward, couldn’t articulate a thought very well, didn’t ask anything about me, and just waited for me to ask questions, which I had some but there was really no follow up. This was the most awkward interview I’ve had. Not to mention this was a HIGHER UP! Is this normal?
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Based on the most helpful WSO content, awkward interviews, even with higher-ups, are not uncommon in the finance world. Many users have shared similar experiences where interviewers seemed unprepared, disinterested, or lacked basic communication skills. While it can be frustrating, it’s important to remember that the interviewer’s behavior doesn’t necessarily reflect the company’s overall culture or reputation.
Here are a few takeaways from similar situations:
Awkward Interviewers Are Not Unheard Of: Some higher-ups may not be skilled at conducting interviews, as their expertise lies in their technical or managerial roles rather than HR or recruitment.
Focus on What You Can Control: Even in awkward situations, maintain professionalism, ask thoughtful questions, and showcase your knowledge and interest in the role.
Red Flags: If the interviewer’s behavior seems dismissive or unprofessional, it could be a sign of potential challenges in the work environment. However, one bad interview doesn’t always mean the company as a whole operates this way.
Follow-Up: If you’re still interested in the role, consider sending a strong thank-you email that reiterates your enthusiasm and highlights key points you wanted to convey during the interview.
Awkward interviews happen, but they don’t always define the outcome or the company. Use this as a learning experience and keep moving forward!
Sources: Protips: Not Being Awkward, Interview nerves, Naturally Nervous/Awkward
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Was this with management
what team lol
who are you interviewing with
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