Managing multiple jobs can be taxing, and it’s important to be prepared to answer questions about workplace stress during interviews. One common question you may be asked is, “How do you handle stress?” You’ll need to be ready to respond appropriately because the interviewer wants to know how you manage work-related stress. After all, everyone feels stressed at some point in their job.
What the interviewer wants to know
The interviewer really wants to know whether you can handle work-related stress and what you do in particularly stressful situations at work. This is especially important if you’re applying for a job where stress is a key part of the role. After all, workplace pressure can negatively impact job performance.
How to respond to “How do you handle stress?”
To successfully answer this question, you’ll want to provide specific examples of how you have handled stress well in the past. You might also share instances where stress has made you work more productively.
Be careful in how you respond. If you say you feel stressed when you’re assigned multiple projects and you know the job will require you to handle many tasks at once, you’ll come across as unsuitable for the role.
Consider mentioning how stress can be a motivating factor for you. Try to provide an example of a time when the pressure from a challenging project helped you become a more creative and productive worker.
Examples of the best answers
Review these ideal answers for how to handle stress, along with information on why these answers are strong.
Sample answer #1
Stress is very important to me. Good stress – like having multiple tasks or an upcoming deadline – helps keep me motivated and productive. Of course, there are times when excessive stress can lead to burnout. However, I am very skilled at balancing multiple projects and meeting deadlines; this ability prevents me from feeling overwhelmed. For example, I once had three big projects due in the same week, and that was a lot of pressure. However, because I created a timeline that outlined how to break each project into smaller tasks, I was able to complete all three projects ahead of schedule and avoid unnecessary stress.
Sample answer #2
I try to respond to situations rather than reacting to stress. That way, I can handle the situation without feeling overwhelmed. For example, when I deal with an unhappy customer, I focus on the task at hand instead of concentrating on feeling stressed. I believe my ability to communicate effectively with customers during these moments helps reduce the stress I feel. I think it also lessens the pressure that the customer may feel.
Sample answer #3
I work best under pressure, and I’ve found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment. As a writer and editor, I thrive under tight deadlines and multiple projects. I find that when I have to work against a deadline, I can produce some of my most creative work. For example, I was recently tasked with writing an article, which I won a regional writing award for, and I was assigned it just a few days before the deadline. I used the pressure from that deadline to boost my creativity and focus.
Sample answer #4
I’m very attuned to the dynamics within a group. If there’s an unhealthy amount of pressure within the team, I can feel some of that stress. Therefore, I try to proactively listen to the concerns of those around me and regularly check in to see if they are feeling overwhelmed. If they are, I think about how I can help lighten their workload, so that the team’s collective pressure doesn’t escalate. When the team is happy, I’m happy too.
Tips
To Provide the Best Answer
Show the employer how you manage pressure. This way, the interviewer can build a clear picture of your ability to adapt to stressful situations. For example, describe a time when you received a difficult task or multiple tasks and how you rose to the challenge.
Focus on success. When you respond, share examples of how you succeeded even when you were under pressure, or how you solved the problem that caused the pressure.
When the job is stressful. Some jobs are inherently stressful. If you are applying for a position that requires high pressure, be sure to inform the interviewer that you are accustomed to working under pressure and that it is part of your normal routine.
What Not to Say
Don’t mention a problem you created. Avoid mentioning a time you put yourself in a stressful situation unnecessarily. You don’t want to come across as someone who causes stress in the workplace.
Don’t say you were really stressed. You shouldn’t focus too much on how stressed you felt. While you should acknowledge that pressure occurs, try to focus on how you cope with pressure rather than the extent of the stress it causes you.
Potential Follow-Up Questions
What type of work environment do you prefer?
Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you managed it?
What challenges are you looking for in the job?
Describe your working style.
How to Handle Pressure During the Interview
Job interviews are stressful for most people. Even if you have had many interviews, it can be difficult to stay calm and composed. You are meeting new people in a new environment and trying to sell your qualifications to someone who could be your next boss.
There are strategies you can use to manage interview pressure and sell yourself to the employer:
- Be prepared. Make sure you have researched the company beforehand and practiced answering common interview questions. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will feel during the interview.
- Avoid negative thinking (“I won’t get this job”). Instead, imagine having a successful interview (for example, envision positive interactions with the interviewer). Do this visualization in the hours leading up to the interview.
- Use relaxation techniques. If you start to feel anxious before the interview, try deep breathing to calm yourself. During the interview, don’t hesitate to take a deep breath or sip water before answering a question. This will give you some time to collect yourself and prepare your answer.
- Pay attention to your body language. Your body language during the interview can help demonstrate that you are relaxed. Try to avoid fidgeting. Stand up straight and make eye contact with the interviewer (but don’t stare). By appearing calm and confident, you are more likely to feel calm and confident.
The ability to effectively handle a stressful job interview will indicate that you will also be able to manage pressures in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How should I answer job interview questions about weaknesses?
Choose your answers carefully – never mention weaknesses that would make you a poor candidate for the job. In fact, try to talk about weaknesses you have overcome.
What are the toughest interview questions?
While everyone finds different questions difficult to answer, some of the hardest questions are not questions at all. Open-ended requests like “Tell me about yourself” can be tough to answer, as it’s easy to ramble. Preparing for the job interview helps you handle tough questions.
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Resources
The Balance only uses high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts in our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we verify facts and maintain the accuracy, reliability, and quality of our content.
Association
Anxiety disorders. “Highlight: A survey of stress and anxiety disorders in the workplace.”
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-do-you-handle-stress-2061246
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