Astounding as this
is, the Greek hazing system has
made its way into professional
interviews. Either employers
view the stress interview as
a legitimate way of determining
candidates' aptness for a position
or someone has latent maniacal
tendencies.
You might be held
in the waiting room for an
hour before the interviewer greets
you. You might face long silences
or cold stares. The interviewer
might openly challenge your
believes
or judgment. You might be called
upon to perform an impossible
task on the fly-like convincing
the interviewer to exchange
shoes with you.
Insults and miscommunication
are common. All this is designed
to see whether you have the
mettle
to withstand the company
culture, the clients or other
potential
stress.
Besides wearing
a strong anti-perspirant, you
will do well to:
Remember that
this is a game. It is not personal.
View it as the surreal interaction
that it is.
Prepare and memorize
your main message before walking
through the door. If you are
flustered, you will better
maintain clarity of mind if
you do not have to wing your
responses.
Even if the interviewer
is rude, remain calm and tactful.
Go into the interview
relaxed and rested. If you
go into it feeling stressed,
you will have a more difficult
time keeping a cool perspective.