Working on a cruise line means working long hours and being able to cope with fatigue. How adept are you at managing stress?
As they detail on their website, not only will you be living where you work, but "because ships have guests onboard 7 days a week, you may not get a 24-hour period off; however, you will still have time to rest, visit the ports, and participate in fun events." However, since many of your modest amenities will be provided for you, including prepared meals, there is less demand on your free time than in more conventional employment situations. However, they place a lot of emphasis on the work life balance of their employees, and want to make sure you have the tools and coping mechanisms to thrive in a lifestyle such as theirs. So, after examining your priorities and what contributes to your quality of life and job satisfaction, if this still feels like a good fit, assure your interviewer that you can handle yourself with professionalism and poise. Share the tools you employ to cope, decompress, and eliminate stress.
"I find this kind of work as meditative. I enjoy doing it. And considering how I would be immersed in a water wonderland, constantly exploring wondrous new destinations, I can't imagine a more meditative situation than that."
"I am no stranger to extended periods of stress. I have worked internationally in the past, away from all family and friends. I have also worked in high-pressure retail sales environments. When I feel added pressure, I will ask to take a quick breather if possible. Most of the time, removing myself from the situation for just a couple of minutes will help. If that is not possible, I will run through a list in my head of all the good things that happened that day. I find that when I stop dwelling on the stressors, and more on the positives, things turn around for me."
"I have been under extended periods of stress before, from my time in University and earning a double degree, to working in the service industry in busy and high-pressure environments. When I am feeling extra stressors, I will take a minute to collect myself with a few deep breaths, and remind myself of the positive things I experienced that day. Taking myself back into a mentality of gratitude always helps."
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Anonymous Answer
When I used to work under pressure, I will ask to take a quick breather if possible, to remove myself from the situation for just a couple of minutes. Or listen to some of my favorite songs after work to relax, which is usually very useful to me.
Rachelle's Feedback
These are good stress coping mechanisms. Can you include an example of a time when you were under pressure for a period of time? Stories and examples are always more memorable to an interviewer.
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