Last one I had .......... a long time ago, during the brief I asked the questions of how the assessor would like me to perform. He immediately threw it back at me at asking me to quantify my question, I gave him three scenarios and explained how I would propose to deal with all three from the hyper critical, never pleased, indulgent tyrant down to the effective, relaxed, willing Captain who embraced CRM and wanted the best from his F/O in order that the team perform most effectively.
He gave me a heads up as to his style and I worked the numbers accordingly. With little experience and a high degree of nerves something must have made an impact because I was given a break and employed something for which some 20 years later and still with the same company, I was very grateful.
The individual has since become a great friend and mentor, something for which I hope I have been able to repay by my attitude and demeanour to new F/O's over recent years.
There are very few I have concerns over and I always remember when I was young and those who helped me, coached me and made me who I am today.
Experience is a great teacher, do what you can, when you can but if it is not what they want then learn, move forward and try again. We have all been there and as long as the individual applies the same standard to all of the candidates then the process is fair.
Perseverance: to persist in a state, enterprise, or undertaking in spite of adverse influences, opposition or discouragement.
Sound familiar? Overcome, adapt and achieve and eventually you will succeed that’s my two pence worth.