Professional in Human Resources (PHR) Practice Exam

What characterizes a stress interview?

1. It aims to relax the candidate

2. It involves aggressive behavior from the interviewer

3. It asks the candidate about their hobbies

4. It is conducted in a casual setting

The correct answer is: It involves aggressive behavior from the interviewer

A stress interview is characterized by the interviewer engaging in aggressive behavior, which is designed to assess how a candidate reacts under pressure or in challenging situations. This type of interview environment can include rapid-fire questions, confrontational dialogue, or unexpected challenges that force the candidate to think on their feet. The goal is to see how well the candidate can handle stress, problem-solving, and remain composed in difficult situations, which is often critical in high-pressure job roles. The focus on aggressive behavior helps the interviewer gauge traits such as resilience, adaptability, and overall temperament, providing insight into how a candidate might perform in a real-world work scenario where stress is prevalent. This approach is distinct from more relaxed or casual interviewing techniques, which are designed to create a comfortable atmosphere for the candidate.