How to Answer: Describe a difficult situation you faced at work and how you overcame it.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a General Motors job interview.
30. Describe a difficult situation you faced at work and how you overcame it.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They're interested in how you'll interpret this ambiguous question and what your answer might reveal about your personality and work ethic. It also aims to reveal what kind of situations you find stressful. Someone who keeps calm under pressure is an asset.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 28th, 2022
How to Answer
Exhibit your leadership skills by offering how you keep calm under pressure. Exemplify emotional maturity by acknowledging that we face stressful situations every day, and highlight your ability to take such situations in stride. Having a positive attitude can go a long way in demonstrating the ability to lead by example and foster a positive work environment.
Written by Kevin Downey on April 28th, 2022
Answer Example
"I had a family emergency arise in the middle of a project I'd taken on managing a team. The emergency required me to leave town. So I had to inform my management, and that was hard for me to do. I'm terribly remiss when disappointing my superiors. But I did everything I could to manage things proactively. I composed a thorough manual for my team so they could continue on in a self-sufficient manner. I also trained another to perform in my stead. The project was a success, but I still had trouble letting go, and hated the idea of disappointing the team."
Written by Kevin Downey on April 28th, 2022