If the job you need filling is very stressful, how do you determine if someone can handle the stress?
I heard of one way of doing this in the hiring interview.
Right up front, some of you may find this a bit off-putting, but I see it as a possible means of checking “stress levels.”
Here’s how it went:
The company was hiring for a very stressful position. At the end of each interview, specifically with applicants they thought might be a good fit, the interviewer said,
“We’re not sure you’re suitable for the job.”
Apparently one of the candidates stood up and said, “Well, I’m not sure I want to work here” and left the interview room, never to be seen again.
So, we’re pretty sure she didn’t handle the stress in that interview very well. She could’ve sat back, collected herself and then come back to the interviewer with reasons why she was indeed suitable.
She could’ve also just simply acknowledged the interviewer and waited patiently for what came next.
Instead, she blew up. A bit of stress was entered into the interview and her method of handling it wasn’t analytical at all. It was emotional and it cost her the job.
Okay, I get it. It does seem a bit off-putting. But you know what’s really off-putting? Hiring someone for a very stressful job who is not able to handle even a modicum of stress.
So, we attempt to find out.
In the interview.
Good luck with this one. You may get some sparks, but you may also get a few gems coming through.
As the law varies in each area, please check with an attorney to ensure you are applying these tips within the law.
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