Can you list all the things that an interviwer do to make hi pressure for candidate ? For example: Giving though questions, not giving clue, asking "what else ? too many times", not being friendly/helpful, not giving time to think ....
I think the list is quite long, but please share the most common patterns so I can prepare to face those conditions. thanks
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Hey there,
Everything that can make you feel uncomfortable. It is not so much about the 'what' and concrete actions, but the overall energy and vibe of the interview. You will know if the interviewer is trying to pressure you.
If you know it's part of the assessment, my tip would be to see it as a challenge rather than taking it personally.
Keep calm, positive and move through the case with direction and intent, regardless of the behavior of the interviewer.
Cheers,
Florian
Hi there,
I would say the most common ones are:
Best,
Francesco
Well, I can't list all the things (the list is infinite), but here are a few):
If you really want to simulate this, nothing beats hiring a coach! Tell the coach you'd like to simulate a difficult interview and have them throw out all the stops on you - this is truly the best way to prepare for these conditions!
Examples of pressure tactics
Above is not an exhaustive list but these are the most common ways that interviewers can pressure you. I will say at least at McKinsey this is not a thing they will ever do. Even at other MBB firms these will not happen on purpose. They want you to have a good interview experience not be stressed out!
Udayan
Those seem to be examples of an interviewer just being rude, and are not acceptable behaviors. Of course, if they are not paying attention or not listening, asking them politely if they need some time to take care of something or telling them it is ok to postpone the interview might be a good idea. There is really nothing to lose in those situations - either the interviewer already decided against the candidate, or the candidate is not having a fair opportunity to interview. Being a bit more bold and polite may get you some points and make the interviewer get back on table again.
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This is why it is called a stress interview - they are trying to stress you out by engaging in atypical behaviors
As a general rule, the interviewer is not supposed to create high pressure, quite the opposite. All of the examples you give usually mean that you are not being structured (or being so structured that you are not moving forward).
What is missing in your list is the interviewer asking you what you "feel" about your own answer, i.e., to make a judgement about your own analysis (sometimes after giving you some new piece of information). It doesn't "mean" anything. Just be calm and reassess your analysis and be fact based (don't rush into changing your answer; nor into stating that nothing changes).
The examples you've listed, I would say, are more common than "high pressure" tactics by your interviewer that are more in favour to help you perform. At McKinsey, the general thesis as an interviewer is to help maximise the performance of your candidate. That doesn't mean that they are just "nice" towards you and give you lots of hints. They will push and challenge your thinking as well as seeing how you build rapport with someone. Having said that, unlike investment banks, there's no value in seeing a candidate squirm with pressure and discomfort. I think seeing the difference and adopting a suitable mindset will be the best way for you to be prepared.
Good luck!
Hi, there are some experiences reported from other candidates in the Q&A: Here an example https://www.preplounge.com/en/consulting-forum/hostile-interviewer-5121
Best,
Antonello
