During a job interview, we only have one idea in mind: to impress the recruiter and get the job of our dreams. However, you should not go against your beliefs and the person interviewing you is looking for authenticity. Find out how to express your disagreement tactfully.
Well-intentioned dishonesty may help you get the job in question, but may have serious long-term repercussions. Business Cool now provides you with all the keys to express your disagreement honestly, without seeing your chances of joining the company diminish.
Recruitment: Honesty, the pillar of interviews
Professional success necessarily begins with unwavering honesty during the interview. It is not by passing for a person that you are not that you will be fulfilled within the company, once you have landed the position.
Recruiters are looking for candidates who stand out for their originality, curiosity and ability to argue in the event of disagreement. It’s all a question of interpretation! Do not approach disagreement as a confrontation or conflict, but rather as the starting point for a healthy discussion based on active listening and exchange.
On the other hand, stating from the start that you disagree will simply end the conversation. Instead, it is recommended to invite the recruiter to the discussion by highlighting your arguments, your experience and putting forward numerical data if you have any.
For example, if the recruiter tells you that the company exclusively uses software that you consider obsolete or outdated, do not hesitate to offer other, more modern and easy-to-use tools. If you receive a harsh response from the recruiter, telling you that it will never work within the company, you know what to expect if you get the job.
It is certainly not easy to express your disagreement, due to the power imbalance with the recruiter. This can give the impression that you’re stubborn, but you can counterbalance it by demonstrating your motivation and proving your compatibility with the position.
Learn about the spirit of the company
It is essential to do research beforehand on the company you wish to join, in order to know if the employees are open to changes and innovative ideas and if the founders are known for their open-mindedness or on the contrary for their rigidity. . It is also important to know whether management encourages communication between different hierarchies. This will guide your argument.
You can find this information on LinkedIn, BC Work, Twitter, Facebook or Reddit. You can also connect with company employees on LinkedIn and ask them your questions directly.
“What do you like most about this company?” » And “What are the areas that could be improved? » are questions that could help you better understand the internal workings of the company and thus put forward appropriate arguments.
Take the time to think carefully about your answers
If the recruiter asks you a question that requires reflection, it is strongly recommended that you take your time and resist the urge to answer immediately.
Take a few seconds to clarify your ideas and provide a thoughtful, well-structured response. You have every right to answer: “That’s an interesting point you made. Let me think about that for a moment. » This demonstrates to the recruiter your ability to think critically.
Instead of putting forward unfounded and poorly organized ideas, you will be able to give a finely crafted response and arguments.
Ask the recruiter if you have the right to share your opinion with them
If you disagree with your recruiter or manager, it is important to prepare that person by asking permission to give a different point of view. “I see things differently. Can I share my perspective with you? » This kind of sentence is effective for two reasons. First, it does not openly contradict the recruiter who will therefore not be defensive. This will leave the door open for a more in-depth discussion. Second, asking the question sparks curiosity. You do not impose your opinion, but rather invite it to a broader reflection.
Follow your instinct
Following your instinct is an important aspect to take into account. If you feel that expressing your disagreement to the recruiter will be very poorly received or will put you in an unpleasant situation, it is best to avoid it. Your interview experience will say a lot about the overall experience you will have within the company. Your feelings can be a good indicator of what your days will be like when you actually take the job. If you have a bad feeling about the company, don’t try to convince yourself to accept a position where you won’t be fulfilled.
Refusing to take your opinion into account during an interview reflects the daily life you will face within the company.
An interview is a two-way street. If recruiters offer what you need (a job), you also have the skills and expertise they are looking for. When you express your true intentions, you ensure that both parties get exactly what they are looking for.
