Stress Interviews

Stress interviews are designed to see whether candidates can think on their feet in uncomfortable situations. It is an unusual interview format, and as such, it is rarely appropriate for obtaining the highest quality information on which to base selection decisions.

There are two types of stress interviews: staged and realistic job previews. During staged interviews the interviewer believes that by putting candidates through some amount of pain and discomfort, their true behaviors, skills, and abilities will be revealed. During realistic job preview interviews, the interviewer simulates the amount and kind of stress encountered on the job. While it is difficult to imagine a situation where staged stress interviews are appropriate, it is relatively easy to imagine situations where stress-filled realistic job previews would be highly desirable. Examples include interviews for positions in law enforcement, the emergency medicine field, and fire fighters.

Strengths Recognizing that stress interviews are inappropriate for most selection situations—and tend only to show off an insecure interviewer's position of authority—there are few occasions when this interview type would yield valuable information about a candidate. When stress-filled realistic job previews are required, make sure to provide a well-designed stress interview.

Weaknesses Under most circumstances, stress interviews should be avoided because they do nothing to enhance the reputation of the organization authorizing them.