What type of interview is best suited for assessing self-control and handling high-pressure situations?

A stress interview is particularly effective for assessing an individual's self-control and ability to handle high-pressure situations. In this type of interview, candidates may be exposed to challenging or uncomfortable scenarios designed to elicit a response under stress. The interviewer's approach can be intentionally tough, placing candidates in situations where they must think quickly, maintain composure, and demonstrate their problem-solving skills under duress.

This method provides valuable insights into how candidates react to stress, their emotional resilience, and their overall capacity to function in high-pressure environments—qualities that are often crucial in roles that involve tight deadlines or demanding interactions. The ability to maintain self-control while responding to challenging questions or scenarios can be a strong indicator of how a candidate might perform in real-life stressful situations in the workplace.

In contrast, other interview types such as panel, situational, and informal interviews do not specifically focus on stress responses and are structured around different objectives. Panel interviews involve multiple interviewers and are generally more about collecting diverse opinions. Situational interviews concentrate on how candidates would handle hypothetical situations rather than testing their responses to real-time stress. Informal interviews lack the structured approach necessary to create a stress-inducing atmosphere effectively.