Job interviews are stressful enough when the person across the table—or on the other side of the Zoom screen—wants you to succeed. Add an intimidating or hostile interviewer to the mix, and it can feel like a recipe for disaster.
Why might you face a tough interviewer? They may already have another candidate in mind for the role. Alternatively, they may be testing how you handle pressure and navigate difficult or high-pressure conversations, especially if you’re vying for an executive or C-suite role.
Some tech companies, such as Amazon, are known for more rigorous interview processes designed to test your problem-solving abilities and storytelling skills.
So, how do you best handle a tough interview? What steps can you take leading up to the conversation, and how do you show up in the moment and leave a lasting impression?
6 Expert Strategies For Handling A High-Pressure Interview
Navigating a tough or hostile interviewer can feel daunting, but with the right strategies, you can remain composed and confident. Here are six expert steps to help you handle these challenging situations with grace:
1. Reflect on the worst-case scenario (and the best one).
Start by envisioning the worst-case scenario. Often, when you really think about it, it’s not as bad as you originally feared.
Maybe you’ll go blank, ramble, or even faint. As a professional public speaker, I’ve found imagining disaster to be an invaluable technique in nearly eliminating my own nerves when I’m preparing to facilitate retreats, team-building workshops, and DEI training programs.
Then—and this is equally important—imagine the best-case scenario:
- How did you show up in the interview?
- In what ways did you highlight your fabulousness?
- What helped you stay calm, present, and confident throughout the conversation?
Visualizing your success is just as powerful as preparing for any potential challenges.
2. Failure test your answers.
Working primarily with tech executives, I’ve found it incredibly helpful to “failure test” their answers, essentially trying to stump them during mock interviews. This strategy can help you refine your responses and solidify key details and data points.
If you know you’ll be facing a tough interviewer, this step is critical. You can use ChatGPT interview prompts to simulate responding to curveball questions in a safe environment.
Be prepared for the interviewer to drill down into each story and ask persistent follow-up questions. The more prepared you are, the more confident you’ll feel when faced with scrutiny!
3. Harness the power of improvisation.
Improvisation (improv) techniques can be a real game-changer when dealing with a tough interviewer. The following are a few favorites I want to call attention to:
- Use the “Yes, and…” principle: Keep the conversation flowing by building on what’s being said. Focus on your strengths, talents, and the experience you do
- Make the other person look good: Find ways to connect with your interviewer.
- Have fun: Engage in some appropriate humor to lighten the mood and bring the interviewer’s walls down.
I recently attended my first improv workshop while at a coaches’ conference. While I was very nervous to participate, it was powerful to see how quickly my anxiety and nervousness dissipated as I let go of my perfectionist tendencies and leaned into the power of improv to stay in the moment.
4. Be vulnerable with the interviewer.
Depending on the situation and vibe, you might consider addressing the situation directly with the interviewer. For example:
- “It feels like there’s some tension here.”
- “I’m feeling a bit [insert emotion].”
Of course, you’ll want to tailor these phrases to fit your own style and tone.
Vulnerability can humanize both you and your interviewer, creating a valuable opportunity for connection during the conversation. At the end of the day, remember that you’re speaking with a fellow human.
5. Attempt to remain present.
Remaining present during a high-pressure interview can feel tough. Here are some helpful mindfulness techniques:
- Focus on your breath, taking slow, steady inhales and exhales to ground yourself.
- Try Emotional Freedom Technique (also known as tapping) to calm your nerves.
- Take a sip of water or tea to cleanse your mind and body.
When you’re feeling safe before an interview, reflect on any additional techniques you can deploy during the conversation to help you stay centered during stressful moments.
6. Invest in professional help.
Lastly, consider working with an interview coach leading up to your big day. A skilled coach can provide you customized feedback and help you develop personalized techniques based on your unique situation. They will help ensure you show up as your best, most authentic self, even if you face an interviewer who is intent on catching you off guard.
Final Thoughts
While there’s a lot you can do to present yourself in the best light possible when speaking with a hostile interviewer, ask yourself whether you really want to work for a boss or company that engages in hostile interviewing practices.
A job interview is a two-way conversation, and you and the interviewer are simultaneously assessing the culture and whether this is an organization that aligns with your values.
The following are a few helpful articles to guide you in assessing prospective employers and their cultures. You’ve got this!
5 Steps to Assess a Company’s Culture Before Accepting a Job Offer (Career Directors International)
These trick questions can help you uncover company culture in an interview (Welcome to the Jungle)
Ask These Questions In Your Interview To Assess Company Culture (Forbes)
12 Best Questions To Ask Recruiters When Interviewing (CaffeinatedKyle.com)
19 Memorable Questions To Ask A Hiring Manager During An Interview (CaffeinatedKyle.com)
