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A Stress Interview Can Be "Brutal"

A stress interview is just another part of the job search you must be prepared for, if you want to get a job offer.

Here is how it happens. Soon after you sit down, relax, and are asked a few basic or introductory questions, the interviewer starts rapidly firing tough questions at you, sometimes in a hostile tone of voice. The interviewer may start challenging or criticizing everything you say. Under normal circumstances, this would be considered rude and ignorant and you would feel mortified and defensive, but if you are prepared, you will shine in this situation.

The interviewer is testing you to see how you act under pressure. The ability to handle this sort of pressure is a must for many positions, especially those that involve working in the public eye with demanding clients (a "pressure cooker" environment). Don't make the mistake of taking this personally - stand your ground and do not let yourself be intimidated. Look upon this as an opportunity to rise to the challenge and respond in a level-headed, confident, and professional manner.

Whatever you do, do not match the attitude of the interviewer by becoming defensive and argumentative.

The reason this method is used so frequently is that it gets results. It gives the interviewer a realistic sense of the candidate's response to difficult situations, which would not be possible through a standard set of questions.

You will notice that the interviewer reverts to his or her original demeanour after the interrogation. He or she was only doing a job: trying to disqualify candidates who are not able to handle pressure.

The best way to handle a stress interview is to anticipate and prepare thoroughly for it, so that responding becomes natural. This is where a Career Coach can really help you - call us to help you practice.