How to Identify a Psychopath During a Job Interview

Psychopaths are a unique category of people who do not experience emotions. Despite this psychological flaw, they are usually well-adapted to society and quite intelligent—you might not even suspect that your acquaintance or colleague is a psychopath. They know how to make an impression, especially a first one. Their personality traits are often mistaken for leadership qualities. However, over time, their true nature will inevitably reveal itself and can seriously harm an employer. That’s why, if you are an employer or responsible for hiring, it’s best to protect your company from hiring such an employee.

Key Traits of a Psychopath

1. Lack of Emotions.Psychopaths have adapted so well to society that it’s hard to notice their lack of emotions at first glance, especially during an initial meeting. They replace real feelings with imitation: since they don’t know what it means to feel, they copy the reactions of others. This often starts in childhood, where their brain stores behavioral templates for different situations. For example, if a child cries, they are comforted. This information is recorded, and later, the person uses these reaction templates in similar situations.

   However, when interacting with such people, you may sense something unnatural about their behavior. To better understand this, you can ask questions that require an emotional response. The main difference with psychopaths is that their reaction may be completely inappropriate or even strange. For example, a typical person might feel fear when hearing the word “death.” But a psychopath, not knowing what that is, might simply smile—a generic, emotionless smile.

2. Gaining Trust.Psychopaths are masters at making a good first impression. But building ongoing relationships is difficult for them. People often judge them based on the first few minutes and ignore their later feelings. It’s important to listen to your instincts: if someone quickly gains your trust but still makes you uneasy, that’s a signal to try to elicit an emotional response. If you notice a lack of genuine emotion, there’s a chance you’re dealing with a psychopath.
3. Skilled Manipulators.From childhood, psychopaths learn to mimic emotions. Instead of genuine feelings, they use reaction templates, which allows them to manipulate others and play on their emotions and weaknesses. They know where a person’s vulnerabilities are and exploit them, consciously or not, throughout their lives.
4. Attractiveness to the Opposite Sex.Strangely enough, psychopaths are skilled manipulators and aren’t shy about using their ability to impress, making it easy for them to make others fall for them. Their coldness and lack of emotion often come across as confidence and authority (which they do possess, along with a significant dose of narcissism), making them attractive to the opposite sex.

   Unfortunately, they do not and never will know love. People are simply a means to an end for them, nothing more. It’s also worth noting that psychopathy can affect anyone, regardless of gender.

5. Legal Troubles.Psychopaths are excellent con artists, and almost all of them have had issues with the law. They know how to deceive and use people. Often, to start a business or get a new job, they resort to extreme, sometimes illegal, methods. They are very cunning, and most have a high IQ.
6. Desire to Experience Emotions.Throughout their lives, psychopaths try to experience real emotions. They try everything, including extreme sports and questionable pleasures. Some believe they’ve succeeded, but it’s just an illusion. These activities bring physical satisfaction, not true emotion.

   The inability to truly feel is a psychopath’s weak spot. In negotiations, you can use this by convincing them you can help them experience something new.

Brief Profile of a Psychopath

• Does not experience emotions
• Makes a great first impression
• Skilled manipulator
• Attracts attention from the opposite sex
• Has legal troubles
• Vindictive
• High intelligence
• Constantly seeks new sensations

How to Protect Your Company from a Psychopath

If you encounter such a candidate, have already interviewed them, and decide not to hire them, simply use the standard phrase, “We’ll call you back.” Their consumer-like attitude toward life won’t let them wait long for your response—they’ll move on to new opportunities.

The main strategy psychopaths use in negotiations is pressure, aggression, and playing on weaknesses. Remember, the key is to stay calm and not react to their manipulations. You can also use the following tactic: “give in” to their influence and agree to their terms. Your compliance will calm them and boost their confidence. Then, right at the contract signing, unexpectedly refuse—say, “I’m not interested.”

Since most psychopaths are narcissists who crave attention and compliments, subtle hints about their inadequacy can throw them off balance. For example, saying, “Your intelligence isn’t quite up to par for this situation,” can unsettle and deeply offend them.

In conclusion, it’s important not to label someone a psychopath based on a single trait. Observation and confirmation of one sign by others are crucial. Only then can you identify the so-called “symptom complex” of a psychopath.