The most terrifying element is often the unexpected. For example, when the interview setting is normal at first but then something really strange happens like sudden noises or odd behavior from the interviewers.
I think the power dynamic in horror interview stories is a terrifying element. Usually, in an interview, the interviewer has the power, but in these horror scenarios, it's taken to an extreme. They can create a situation where the interviewee feels completely powerless. For example, if the interviewers start to play mind games, like giving conflicting instructions or not reacting in a normal way to the interviewee's answers. This can make the interviewee feel like they are in a nightmare situation during the interview.
The sense of being judged in a very abnormal and uncomfortable way can be terrifying. In horror interview stories, sometimes the interviewers act as if they are not interested in the candidate's skills but in something else, like scaring or intimidating them. It makes the interviewee feel vulnerable. For instance, when they ask inappropriate questions not related to the job just to make the interviewee squirm. Another aspect is the environment. If it's a spooky place like an old building with strange sounds and bad lighting, it adds to the horror.
The unknown is a very terrifying element. For example, in a story where there are strange noises in the dark but you don't know what's making them. It scares people because our imagination runs wild.
Well, in '20 most terrifying horror stories', there could be a story of a small town haunted by an ancient evil. The townspeople start experiencing unexplainable phenomena like animals acting strangely and people disappearing. There might also be a horror story about a group of friends who go camping in a forest that has a dark history. They encounter something that hunts them down one by one. Additionally, a story about a possessed doll that seems to have a life of its own and causes chaos in a family's home is also a possibility.
Nervousness is a big one. Many students get so nervous that they can't perform at their best. For example, they might forget important facts or concepts they've studied for years. Another common element is unexpected questions. These can range from really strange hypothetical situations to questions that seem to come out of left field and are not directly related to the student's area of study. And then there's the pressure of the interview environment itself. The formality and the knowledge that a lot is at stake can make students feel extremely stressed.
Misunderstanding the scope of the interview. Some students might study the wrong materials or focus on the wrong aspects of their subject. Then when they face unexpected questions, they are completely lost, which is a horrible situation to be in during an important interview like at Oxford.
Unexpected questions are common. For example, questions that are way out of the scope of normal prep. This can catch students off - guard.
One common element is being unprepared. For example, not knowing basic information about the company. Another is technical glitches, like a bad internet connection for an online interview. Also, unexpected interruptions, such as a noisy background during a phone interview.
One of the scariest things is the sudden change in the driver's behavior. They might start off friendly but then turn into a maniac. There's also the fear of not knowing where you are being taken. You could end up in a really dangerous situation like in a cult - like place or with a serial killer. And in some stories, the hitchhiker discovers something really creepy about the driver, like they have some disturbing items in the car which makes the whole situation even more horrifying.
The most terrifying element is often the dragon's size. A huge dragon can easily overpower humans. For example, a dragon as large as a mountain can crush a whole town with just one step. Another scary part is their fire - breathing ability. The intense heat can burn everything in sight, leaving no chance of escape. And their sharp claws and teeth are also frightening, as they can rip apart anything or anyone.
Isolation is a key terrifying element. When the characters in aaa horror stories are alone, whether in a big empty house or in the middle of the woods, it amplifies the fear. There's no one to turn to for help. Also, the sense of being watched by something malevolent is really scary. You can't see it but you can feel its eyes on you. Another element is the loss of control. For example, when a character's body starts to act on its own, like in a possession - type story in aaa horror, it's truly terrifying.
The sense of the unknown is often very terrifying. In milestone horror stories, like when you're reaching a big moment in your life, suddenly something unexplained happens. It's like a dark cloud over your expected joy. For example, in a wedding - related milestone horror story, you don't know why there are strange apparitions when everything should be happy.