It is clear that in the resume and at the interview, the candidate for a vacant position seeks to present himself from the best side. And the interview itself, although it causes excitement, is usually carried out in a calm and friendly business atmosphere. To provoke the subject and check how he will behave in an extreme situation, the method of stress testing is sometimes used.
What is a stress test
A candidate who is tuned in to a business conversation with a recruiter or company representative will undoubtedly be shocked if suddenly his interlocutor behaves inappropriately: he begins to ask shocking personal questions, be rude and express a disdainful attitude. In particular, incorrect and even offensive questions are used during stress tests. If they relate to work, you should still try to answer them frankly and adequately. But in the case of overt rudeness or when trying to get into your personal life, you can refuse to answer, demonstrating your ability to set boundaries and not succumb to pressure.
Also, you can often be shown a dismissive attitude, interrupt you or show a complete lack of attention to your words. Here, too, you should not answer with rudeness, it makes sense to listen to the interlocutor, and then calmly and reasonably answer all his deliberately unfounded claims. A test often used in stress testing is puzzles and atypical assignments. Try to provide answers by vocalizing your thoughts. Show that you can communicate, demonstrate a sense of humor, the ability to think outside the box.
When is it appropriate to use a stress test?
As a rule, those applicants who apply for managerial positions are most often subjected to such verification. This is due to the fact that they need to make quick and correct decisions in extreme conditions, when a lot depends on how much they can mobilize. Those who also need a lot of self-control in the workplace include those who have direct contact with customers, petitioners and clients. Among the number of such customers there is always someone who can behave inappropriately, and in general such work is considered emotionally stressful. In such conditions, the employee is simply obliged to remain calm and remain invariably polite.
The categories of positions where stress testing is recommended include a dispatcher, sales assistant, cashier, secretary, administrator, etc. But for such positions where accuracy, scrupulousness, attentiveness and methodology are required, for example, database operator, economist or accountant, such testing is not recommended. In this case, the employer runs the risk of losing an excellent employee who, due to his duty, does not need such a quality as stress resistance.
