6 Ways to Stay Calm During a Stress Interview With a Hostile Interviewer

6 Ways to Stay Calm During a Stress Interview With a Hostile Interviewer6 Ways to Stay Calm During a Stress Interview With a Hostile Interviewer6 Ways to Stay Calm During a Stress Interview With a Hostile InterviewerBeing stressed for a job interview is one thing - a stress interview with a hostile interviewer is another.Imagine sitting through a two-hour interview with a companys CEO. But instead of asking you questions, the CEO provides an uninvited, line-by-line critique of your work and even comments on the way youre sitting. Oh, and he calls you an underachiever. Sounds like a nightmare, right?Unfortunately, this was the reality for 22-year-old Olivia Bland. Shortly after leaving this second-round interview for a U.K.-based technology company, she received a job offer. Confused, she accepted, then later backed out and shared her thanks, but no thanks letter on Twitter. Her tweet went viral as people rallied behind her. She ended up calling the experience, which left her in tea rs, humiliating.Some hiring professionals have deemed this a classic stress interview, a tactic that allegedly helps a company see how a potential employee responds to stress. The interview might consist of confusing brainteasers, intimidating questions, or aggressive behavior like Bland experienced.Through the years, however, stress interviews have become mora controversial, and big-name companies like Google are moving away from the act, according to Business Insider. Some companies, unfortunately, are less quick moving.So Blands experience has us wondering How do you handle a stress interview without breaking down, losing your cool, or walking out? In case you ever find yourself in a similar situation, use these tips to keep your cool and help you survive1. Take your timeA job interview is already stressful enough, so when an interviewer barrels into the room with rapid-fire questions and abrasive comments, your existing stress obviously heightens.The key Dont feel like you have to follow the interviewers pace. Take a few calming breaths, slow down your answers, and focus on what youre saying. If you need more time, ask the interviewer to repeat or clarify the question. This will give you a few more seconds to think through your response.2. Exude confidenceInterviewers arent only grading you on your answers to tough questions and brainteasers in these situations. Theyre also judging your body language, which includes your eye contact, posture, handshake grip, smile, arm placement, and vocal inflection.When you abflug feeling intimidated or stressed, its natural to retreat into defense mode and cross your arms. You might sink into your seat or lower your voice. You wont necessarily notice when these changes are happening, but its important to be mindful. Do your best to sit up straight, maintain eye contact, and use open hand gestures.3. Ask questionsIn a stress interview, you might feel out of control. The interviewer has taken the drivers seat and is acce lerating at uncomfortable speeds. Remember that thats the point of these types of interviews to see how youll respond in such a situation.Your job is to gain some control back. This can be difficult, especially when youre already in a naturally subordinate position, but heres a simple trick Ask the interviewer questions. Of course, you wont want to interrupt, but view any pauses as opportunities.There are a ton of questions you can ask, but here are a few that might fit into a stress interviewA personal question Im curious to know a bit more about your career path. How did you get your start?A question about the job What traits will the perfect candidate in this position have?A question about the kollektiv Can you tell me more about the people Id be working directly with? The manager Id be reporting to?A question about the company How would you describe this companys culture?Not only can these questions help take the heat off you for a second, but they can also help you better unde rstand the company and how it operates outside of this situation.5. Exit PolitelyIf you feel threatened during your interview or the situation crosses a line, let the interviewer know you dont think youre a good fit for this position and dismiss yourself from the situation. If you make it to the end of the interview, do your best to remain polite and leave with confidence.If youd like to follow-up about the interview tactics or feel as though the interviewer crossed a line, consider following up with the companys human resource department, as Bland did. If you feel as though you were discriminated against, you can file a charge with The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.6. Dont settleSome might argue a stress interview is simply a gimmick that companies employ to find the right candidate one who can handle day-to-day stress. However, if you feel uncomfortable during the interview but passed the test and received an offer, follow your gut. An interview will often reflect a com panys culture.Thats what Bland did. Although she initially accepted the offer, she emailleed the company back to let them know she couldnt accept the offer and explained why. She provided honest feedback and concluded her email respectfully. Shes now moving on to find another opportunity that will be a better fit.Ultimately, dont blame yourself. If you couldnt withstand the stress test, thats OK. Its not necessarily a direct reflection of how you deal with stressful situations its simply a gimmick, one thatll be deemed archaic sooner rather than later.Still not feeling entirely confident about your upcoming job interview? Our sister site, TopInterview, can help.Editors Note This article was originally published on our sister site, TopInterview.Recommended ReadingWhats a Stress Interview? And How to Prepare for OneDont Answer These Off-Limits Interview QuestionsThings You Should Do Right After a Job InterviewRelated Articles