Just Who Do You Think They Are?

Just who are these strangers you meet who will determine your waking fate for the next few minutes if not the next few years?


1) The Top Boss
This is the person for whom you will be working, most likely very directly, if you are hired. The Top Boss has the authority to make the final decision.


2) The Middle Manager
The Middle Manager probably reports to the Top Boss. The job of this person is to do the initial screening and most likely won't make the final decision as to who gets the job, but recommends the top candidate or perhaps the top two to 5 candidates who will then have to see The Top Boss (see above).



3) The Person Who Got Roped Into Doing Interviews
The hiring process can be a little nerve racking and so a lot of times people will try to find somebody to do it for them. Especially if they have some experience in the process (other than being hired themselves).
This role, by the way, can sometimes be played by temporary employment agencies who act as pre-screeners in order to help an employer just work with a few candidates instead of a flurry of resumes and applications (sometimes in the hundreds).

Remember, in a panel interview (with two or more interviewers) you may have a combination of any of the above types of interviewer. It probably won't change how you interview but it does make a big difference on the process you will have to follow for the job.