Stress can be generated by the interviewing environment, by the way questions are asked, and by the questions themselves. You will not be able to control most factors in the environment. For example, a PE may have several interviewers talk with you simultaneously. The best way to handle this is to speak slowly, listen carefully, and answer only one question at a time. If an interviewer asks a question too rapidly or directly on the heels of someone else's question, ask him to repeat it.
A few interviewers will try such gross tactics as seating you so that the sun shines directly in your eyes. If this happens, ask politely if you can change your seat to avoid the sun. Never be afraid to tell the interviewer that you are uncomfortable and to explain why. If the heat has been turned up and your interviewer has removed his jacket, ask if the heat can be turned down or if you can remove your jacket as well. Be pleasant and tactful, but don't become intimidated.
You cannot do much about the way an interviewer asks questions except to ask him to repeat a question if you did not understand it. Never allow yourself to get angry during an interview, regardless of the provocation.
You can do something about questions that cause stress. Prepare yourself for likely stress questions by working out good, solid answers beforehand. Here are some typical stress questions that you should be prepared to answer before you go into an interview. Think up some of your own as well.
Where do you want to be five years from now? Where do you think you'll be? Are you technical or management oriented? Why? Why should we be interested in hiring you? What's wrong with your present job?
Does your present employer know you are out looking for a job? Why have you been laid off so many times? Why have you made so many job changes? Why are you interested in our company? Are you ambitious? Will you be out to take my job? What are your three greatest strengths? What are your three greatest weaknesses? What do you think of our operation?
- Why do you want to work here?
- Do you feel you have top management potential? Why?
- Are you a good manager?
- Are you a good leader?
- What have you disliked most about past jobs?
- What do you think you would like best about this job?
How important to you is salary versus other aspects of the job? What five things have you done in your life (or career) that you are most proud of? What does the term success mean to you? What types of jobs are you looking for? If you had your choice of any job at all at this moment, what would that job be and why? Why aren't you making more money? Where did you stand in your class in college? Why didn't you stand higher? Why haven't you accomplished more? How have you managed to accomplish so much?
Think about answers to these questions. Then practice your interview with a friend, and ask your friend what you are doing right and what needs polish. Role playing as practice for an interview can be extremely helpful. If you have a videotape machine or at least a tape recorder to help you, so much the better. Work at it until you can deliver your answers smoothly and confidently. Before going into any interview, you should be so well prepared that no unusual situation, strange environment, or stress question can shake you or cause you to be ill at ease.
