Tips For Acing a Tough Job Interview

8 Tips For Acing a Tough Job Interview<br /><br />Job interviews: Nobody likes them, but they inevitably stand between you and your dream job.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Whats your greatest weakness? is no longer the only hard to answer question hiring managers will throw your way.<br /><br />New techniques, designed to do everything from measure your ability to handle criticism in the moment to downright intimidate you, are now being wielded more frequently by HR managers.<br /><br />Its not just in your head: Your potential future boss did not smile at you. And if shes using intimidation techniques in an interview, she might wait a few beats after you answer a question before responding to what youve said.<br /><br />These are all external distractions over which you have no control, says Goldstein, but what you can do is control how you react.<br /><br />First, realize that shes trying to destabilize you, likely to see how you behave under pressure. To counteract her approach, anchor your feet to the floor and take a deep breath before you answer each question slowly and calmly. The goal is not to let these scare tactics intimidate you, so beware that youre not playing with your hair, fiddling with your jewelry or shifting from foot to foot, all classic signs of anxiety.<br /><br />RELATED: The Complete Guide to Body Language<br /><br />Then, tune into your feelings, and ask yourself if you like the environment or whether you could see yourself working at the company or for a boss who likes to keep you off balance. Remember, job interviews are a two way street its also an opportunity to see if the company and the position would be a good fit for you.<br /><br />Youre probably thinking, Arent all interviews stressful? But stress interviews are a different breed. And the degree of stress applied will vary: A mildly stressful question might be: What makes you think youre qualified for this job when youve had minimal relevant experience? In the most x treme versions, you might have to react to a response like: Thats the worst answer to that question any candidate has given.<br /><br />What to do? First, dont just write off the interviewer as a total jerk. Consider that job candidates can predict most interview questions and have a prepared response for each one; by resorting to bizarre questions and comments like the above, they want to see how the real you reacts to something.<br /><br />And, perhaps more important than what you answer is the fact that youre being assessed on your creativity, your ability to think on your feet and your capacity for handling criticism. Your mantra? Grace under fire.<br /><br />If you find yourself in this situation, relax. Consider it a challenge and a chance to impress your potential employer. If you get choked up, take a deep breath and collect your thoughts. Its better to have a moment of silence than rush into an answer. And above all, dont become defensive; instead, act professional. Your confidence and composure are sure to impress.