How to Handle a Stress Interview

A stress interview is a pre-planned and calculated job interview that is designed to see how a job candidate reacts under pressure and in ambiguous and unanticipated situations. Surprise is the main approach. Even before the interview begins you may be taken off guard by the interviewer’s body language or initial greeting. The interview continues to go down hill from that point. If the stress interview is part of a group setting, members may play “good cop, bad cop” to test the job candidate’s response in stressful circumstances. The only bright spot in the process is when it’s over. You know you’ve successfully passed a stress interview when at the end the interviewer warmly and cordially shakes your hand as you leave.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Prepare for the interview as you normally would. Display poise and calm as you are questioned. Be courteous and polite.

2. Do not match the interviewer’s hostile or difficult tone or react to his/her line of questioning. Answer questions as succinctly and objectively as possible with minimal emotion. Try not to show fear, shame, frustration or defensiveness.

3. Be on the lookout for these types of questions:
   
   a) “Why have you changed jobs so many times in the past few years?”
   b) “Did you really resign or were you fired?”
   c) “Why should we hire you?”
   d) “Why do you want to change careers at this point in your life?”
   
   Answer these and other related questions by discussing your accomplishments, the contributions you’ve made to previous employers and by matching each of the desired position requirements to your qualifications.

4. If prompted, ask the interview questions you have prepared in a non-confrontational tone. Wait patiently for responses. If they are curt or clipped; ask more clarifying questions to determine if it really is a stress interview or if it is the interviewer’s style.

5. Regardless of how you did in the interview, follow up with thank you notes and other post-interview tasks on your job search plan.

Resources

• The Successful Job Search Guide

[cherylphillips]

on 6/13/2009 excellent article!!