Senior Manager said nothing and stared (glared?) at me for the entire interview. The only thing said to me was a staff reading interview questions off a script. No one said “hi” or “welcome”.

The Unsettling Nature of Government Interviews: A Personal Experience

Navigating the job market can be a daunting experience, full of unexpected challenges and nerve-wracking encounters. Recently, I found myself reflecting on a particularly jarring interview I had shortly after graduating from college.

I had applied for a position with the Texas Comptroller’s office, full of hope and anticipation. However, what I encountered was nothing short of a nightmare. As I walked into the interview room, I was met with an almost paralyzing silence from the senior manager. Instead of a welcoming greeting or even a simple “hello,” I was met with a penetrating stare that felt more like a glare than anything else.

The atmosphere was anything but inviting. The only communication I received was from a staff member who read interview questions directly from a script, devoid of any personal interaction or connection. The entire experience felt so mechanical that it left me feeling disoriented and anxious.

Small talk may often fall flat in formal interviews, but this experience went far beyond awkwardness; it was disconcerting and unnerving. As I sat in the chair, staring at a blank page for a writing exercise, my mind was racing with anxiety, making it impossible to perform. The task was to draft a letter in just 20 minutes—but with the oppressive atmosphere, I felt like I was under a spotlight, rendering me incapable of focusing on the assignment.

As I think back to that day, I can’t help but wonder: Is this how all government interviews are conducted? Or was my experience an unusual encounter with a particularly intimidating panel? The treatment I received left me questioning the humanity of the interview process within such institutions.

Ultimately, if you find yourself in a similar situation, take a deep breath and remember that interviews should be a two-way street. It’s essential to assess not only whether you’re a good fit for the role, but also whether the organization fosters a supportive and welcoming environment.