JOBTALKS Handling the Pressure of the High Stress

JOBTALKS Handling the Pressure of the High Stress Interview Indiana University Kelley School of Business C. Randall Powell, Ph. D

The Marquis De Sade The High Stress Interview

Stress Interviews Stress interviews are not easy. If you're not prepared, you will most certainly be the Marquis' next victim. Motivator

Handling the Pressure of the High Title

The Stress Interview E very interview is a stress interview. Some are especially stressful. Can you handle the pressure?

Why a Stress Interview? They are designed to put pressure on you. Employers feel it's vital that you handle the pressure.

The Secret. . . To handle any unusual or awkward situation, REMAIN CALM. Losing your cool makes it impossible.

The Group Interview You are expecting to interview with the same person as before and it was a pretty easy interview. Instead, you are interviewing with seven people at once.

What To Do: 3 3 3 Remain calm. Address each member as if a presentation. Make eye contact. Find the most influential person. If you get two questions at once, ask "Which question would you like me to answer first? " Talk directly to each person.

You Have The Floor The interviewer introduces him/herself and says, "You've got 35 minutes to sell me. "

What To Do: 3 Put on your sales hat and give your sales pitch. 3 You control everything. 3 Find out what the interviewer would like to talk about. If no preference, talk about your background and match it to the company. 3 Go through point by point. 3 Use lots of examples. 3 Take your time. 3 Keep a logical order. 3 Concentrate on the customer's needs.

The Silent Treatment Your Interviewer comes in, sits down, and doesn't say a thing. What to do: Say "I realize your time is very valuable. Where would you like to begin? "

The Hot Seat During your interview, the interviewer spills a cup of hot coffee on you.

What To Do: 3 Remain calm. 3 Dry yourself off. 3 Ask to be excused if necessary. 3 Regain your composure. 3 Return with a smile. 3 Let the interviewer know you aren't rattled. How would you feel if you spilled coffee on yourself? Avoid all food and drink during an interview.

The Bully Interview Your interviewer asks questions such as: "Why did you go to a second rate school like Indiana? " "Whatever gave you the idea we want someone with analytical skills for this job? "

What To Do: 3 3 3 Remain calm. Don't let the interviewer bully you. Don't get overly defensive. You might answer, "Indiana is anything but a second rate school. We are highly regarded among corporate recruiters. " And "Larry Smith who has worked for this company for over 7 years in the same position, said managers in this area highly value analytical skills. . . "

Sitting In The Spotlight The sun is in your eyes. You can't even see your interviewer. What to do: 3 Be assertive - ask to move your chair.

The Chair Trick Your chair wobbles incessantly. What to do: 3 Be assertive - ask if there is another chair available. Companies aren't looking for sheep!

No Response After you finish an answer the interviewer doesn't say anything. The interviewer is seeing if you will fill the silence. Most people fill the silence with something unplanned.

What To Do: Ask the interviewer, "Is there something more I can add to that answer? " You keep the silence from being your enemy.

The Key. . . REMAIN CALM These interviews are designed to rattle you. You can't "let them see you sweat. "

Illegal Questions Most are asked for innocent reasons by someone who doesn't realize it was inappropriate. It seems pretty innocent to ask, "How old is your child? "

Handling Illegal Questions The best way to handle an illegal question is to relate it to the job.

Answering Illegal Questions You are asked: "How many children do you have? " Don't kill the interview by saying "That's an illegal question and I refuse to answer it!!" Respond with: "I'm not sure how that relates to the job. Could you please explain? " Or: "I can assure you my family life will not interfere with my work. "

Answering Illegal Questions The second response went to the real reason a question was asked. The employer may be worried you need a lot of time off. Stick to factual answers. If the questions are too personal, consider finding a better place to work.

Tough-To-Answer Questions "What Salary are you looking for? " 3 "I'm looking for an opportunity; money is not my primary motivator. 3 "I trust you to offer me a salary that's fair based on my skills. " If the employer is not satisfied and corners you: 3 Give a range of salary that is appropriate. 3 Give your bottom figure toward the top end of the range.

Your Weakness "What is your biggest weakness? " 3 3 Don't be bluntly honest. Your answer should be something everyone would like to improve, such as: "I need to work on time management skills. I get everything accomplished on time but I would like to make better use of time. "

Use A True Weakness You have admitted a true weakness - one that isn't overused like "I am intolerant of those who can't give their best. "

Once Upon A Time. . . "Tell me a Story. " 3 How well do you relate to others. 3 Can you think on your feet. Tell a pleasant story that puts you in a good light.

Did You Hear The One About. . . "Tell me a joke. " 3 Tell a reasonably funny joke. 3 Don't worry about being witty.

What's For Dinner? "If you could have ten famous figures from history over for dinner, who would you invite? " 3 3 3 The interviewer wants to evaluate your thought process. Make it an affair anyone would be delighted to attend. Have rationale for everyone you invite.

Possible List A Suggested List: HThomas Jefferson HMoses HGeneral Patton HMark Twain HAmelia Earhart HMohammed HJesse Owens HGhandi HDale Carnegie HThomas Edison

The Real Stunner "Why are manholes round? " 3 There is really no right answer. 3 It is designed to see how you think. 3 Some of the better answers are: H The cover fits regardless of how it's placed. H So the cover won't fall in. Mice for Square Manholes

Other Stumpers Other questions that have been asked during interviews: 3 "How many blades of grass are there on a football field? " 3 "How many gas stations are there in the U. S. ? "

Case Interviews Some companies use a case to determine your abilities for problem solving. There is little you can do to prepare. Recruiters are looking for a well-thought out answer. 3 Take an in depth look at the problem. 3 No knee jerk reactions

The Biggest Mistakes 1. Not thinking through your response. 2. Offering a solution when you don't have enough info. 3. Giving lots of alternatives. 4. Not thinking globally. 5. Backing down when challenged.

To Avoid Pitfalls 1. Take your time. 3 Think through your answer. 3 Ask lots of questions. 3 Get the facts. 2. Identify six potential problem areas. 3 Focus on the one that has the greatest probability of being solved 3. Don't back down. 3 This may be a tactic to see how confident you are in your decisions.

Dining Interviews The company wants to make sure you are able to handle yourself at a meal. You may be eating with clients or management as a part of your job.

Dining Do's 1. Remember you are at an interview. Even if your host says "You aren't being evaluated here, " don't believe it. 2. Eat something that won't leave you hungry, but keep it light enough so you won't fall asleep. 3. Keep up the conversation. Get your host(s) talking; people love to talk about themselves. 4. Get your host to order first or ask for a recommendation.

Dining Don'ts 1. Don't eat anything messy. 2. Don't order the most expensive or the cheapest item on the menu. 3. Don't try to pick up the check. 4. Don't drink alcohol. It is a depressant. 5. Don't smoke unless all your hosts do.

The Interview Stop eating when the serious questioning starts. Focus on the questions.

Your Spouse If dinner includes your spouse, make sure he or she is coached. Your spouse should: 3 Have an understanding of the company. 3 Have an idea who you are dining with. 3 Know what to say and what not to. H Don't say: "We really would like to be closer to home H than Cleveland, but it will do. " H Don't say: "Sally and I would like to start a family H within the year. " H Do say: "We really love this city!"

The Team Your spouse should know your game plan and do what is necessary to complement your actions. You are a team.

Dining Etiquette Quiz! You have finished your meal. What do you do with your napkin?

Answer! Place it to the left of your place setting in folds.

Dining Etiquette Quiz! How do you eat soup?

Answer! Spoon away from you. Don't blow. Don't put crackers in the soup.

Dining Etiquette Quiz! You didn't like your meal. What do you do when your host asks? ME N

Answer! Never fuss. Say you enjoyed it.

Dining Etiquette Quiz! You go to a restaurant that specializes in seafood. You've never had frog legs, but your host recommends them. What should you do?

Answer! Stick with what you know. Order something you can eat without discomfort.

Dining Etiquette Quiz! The waiter puts the check next to you. What should you do?

Answer! Nothing. Your host will handle it at the appropriate time.

If you would like to learn more, Career Planning Strategies textbook will supply additional information on this topic.