Before learning how to tackle stress interviews, let’s try to understand the psychology that operates behind these interviews.
Why do the evaluators conduct a stress interview ?
This type of interview puts you into difficulties. Remember this is a part of the selection process. The interviewer is judging you on tact, cool temper, courage, self-command or control. More importantly such interviews reveal whether you can take logical decisions under demanding circumstances. All these aspects combine to form important reasons why should be placed under stress in interviews.
How do interviewers generate stress in the interview ?
Stress situations may occur when the interviewer:
- Bombards you with a spree of rapid questions
- Cuts your answers repeatedly
- Expresses doubts on your caliber and integrity
- Accuses you of bluffing
- Laughs or mocks at you
- Looks disinterested (yawning, looking to the ceiling, talking to the co-interviewers while you are answering a question)
- Two or three interviewers ask questions at the same time
Now that we have understood the basic dynamics of stress interviews, let’s us explore some common do’s and don’ts that you need to keep in mind in order to handle these interviews successfully.
With the help of the above, you can successfully navigate through stress interviews. In fact, with the right mindset, you can use them to your advantage.
- Do's:
- Maintain your poise and composure.
- Establish and maintain eye contact.
- Exude confidence from your body gestures and arguments.
- In case interviewers are asking several questions at a fast pace, you should try to answer one question at a time.
- If interviewers do not show any emotion, do not be hassled by that - just concentrate on the content of your answers.
- The interviewers may oppose a stand taken by you, you should be able to appreciate their point of view also i.e. you should be able to appreciate the pros and cons of any issue. You should be ready to take a stand and hold onto it, and you should be convinced about it. You could always say that "sorry, we have a difference of opinion but I firmly believe in what I have said."
- Maintain a smile on your face - a little bit of wit helps.
- Don'ts:
- Show your anger or get agitated under any circumstances.
- Show signs of nervousness like no eye contact, mumbling, clasping hands, etc.
- Try to create unnecessary humor.
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