Advice
Ah, the challenge of stress management! Your ability to manage stress will directly influence your ability to do your job successfully. Before answering this question, think of some ways you have learned to deal with stress at work. You can't always take a break when you need it, so what will you do?
Some workplace stress management strategies are:
- Track your primary stress factors and make a plan for overcoming those
- Establish boundaries with distracting coworkers
- Breathing exercises, or meditation
- Be sure to recharge your emotional batteries throughout the day
- Express your stress to your manager/supervisor
- Ask for help
Admin answer example
"I tend to work best under stressful situations. For example, the pressure of deadlines from my boss often drive me to work faster and better. I am resistant to stress and able to focus on the work that needs to get accomplished."
Air Traffic Controllers answer example
"I handle stressful situations very well. Throughout my career, I have been consistently complimented by my colleagues on my ability to work well under pressure. In my previous performance review, my supervisor commented on my ability to think clearly in high-pressure situations."
Basic answer example
"I've learned some helpful breathing techniques that I can do while I'm at work. Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a situation, I can slow down my breathing and remain calm. Once I understood that it was okay for me to take a minute for myself, I learned to handle workplace stressors in a whole new way."
Camp Counselor answer example
"The interviewer is really looking for past experiences where you have been in that have been stressful. They want to get to know your background better. Highlight these examples, tell them how you remained calm, and held your composure. Tell the interviewer what you learned from those experiences. A good example, when you have been in stressful situations, you have found its best to remain calm so you can think through any challenges that you are facing. Try to think of these examples before the interviewer, because this is a very common interview question and may likely be asked."
Court Clerk answer example
"I've learned not to take words or actions of stressed clients personally. Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a deadline and being pulled in too many directions, I can ground myself to ensure that my work is correct and properly filed."
Detective answer example
"I am highly trained to withstand a lot of stress and pressure on the job. I manage stressful situations by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable issues and scenarios. From there, I find the situations become less overwhelming and easier to manage."
Economist answer example
"I handle stressful situations very well. Whenever I feel a bit overwhelmed, I will take a step back for a breather. I try to re-assess the situation and look at it in a new light. My current manager comments quite often on my ability to handle high pressure very well."
Electrical Technician answer example
"I handle stress very well, and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure not to get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful, and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."
Electrician Apprentice answer example
"When I first started my apprenticeship, I was given a pretty important job to troubleshoot. My supervisor was aware that it was above my abilities but he wanted to see if I would ask for help. I took a critical eye to the situation, a few deep breaths and presented my recommendation to him. The general feedback in my career is that I do handle stressful situations quite well."
Elementary Teacher answer example
"When I get stressed, I know that I tend to get tunnel vision and I bury myself in my work. So I set timers to keep myself on track, and when I set alarms to go take a break and take a breather. When I get home, I cook because it focuses me on a task in the present moment. Then I write in my journal if I need to get anything out of my system. That way, the next morning I'm refreshed and ready to take on everything I need to."
Host or Hostess answer example
"I know that working in a restaurant can be fast-paced and stressful, but I am comfortable working in that type of environment. I have worked retail during the holidays and learned to stay calm, take breaks when I can, and not to take anything personally."
As a host, you will need to be able to remain calm and collected during high stress situations. Give an example that shows you can deal with a busy work environment without getting frustrated or overwhelmed.
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Interior Designer answer example
"With ease! The interviewer needs to hear that stressful situations do not get the best of you. Tell the interviewer that it is your responsibility as a professional to mitigate stressful situations ensuring they do not become more stressful than necessary. When you are faced with a stressful situation, you go into action mode assessing what can be done to alleviate the stress while still keeping a positive attitude."
Kitchen Helper answer example
"I am very good at handling stressful situations. Working in a kitchen for so many years, I am accustomed to pressure situations. My previous chef often complimented me on my ability to manage stress well. I'll take a quick breather throughout the day if needed and other than that, I just let things roll off my shoulders if they get too stressful."
Laboratory Assistant answer example
"I have been told by my previous and current supervisor that I manage stress very well. Being a laboratory assistant is a demanding position, and I knew that before I committed to this career path. I stay calm by being an open communicator and keeping the end goal in mind."
Language Interpreter answer example
"I respond well in stressful situations. My previous supervisor often complimented me on this fact as well. When I do find myself in a stressful situation, I am sure to take a step back. I breathe, and then assess before reacting. I am conscious to always react in a way that I would be proud of, no matter how high the stress level is."
Loan Officer answer example
"The interviewer wants to hear that you work through stressful situations with ease not allowing the situation to get the best of you. Think back to a past stressful situation. Share an overview of what occurred, and explain why it was so stressful. Be sure to mention that even though it was stressful, you maintained your professional, positive attitude and did not allow it to get the best of you. Share what you did to get through that situation, and mention what you learned from that stressful time."
Machinist answer example
"I handle stress very well and when you call my references, they will attest to this fact. When I am under pressure on the job, I focus on the task at hand and make sure to not get distracted. Staying on deadline is very helpful and I will delegate when necessary to alleviate some stress."
Maintenance answer example
"I am well trained when it comes to effectively managing stressful situations. Before losing my cool, I am sure to review the situation, break the issue down to the simplest factor, and work my way through the problem from there. When you look at most problems for what they are you can see that the majority of situations are simple to solve."
Manager answer example
"When stressed, I try to take a break, re-focus, and then get back to work. I also like listening to music in my office when it's appropriate. Not all businesses are OK with that, and I understand."
Marketing answer example
"Stressful situations are bound to happen, and I typically take them as they come and they don't ruffle me too much. I know it's part of the creative process and it's going to pass soon enough."
Nursing answer example
"I've learned some helpful breathing techniques that I can do while I'm at work. Even when I'm feeling rushed or overwhelmed by a patient situation, I am able to slow down my breath and remain calm. Patient care will always be my top priority, and that's why I've learned to manage my stress effectively."
Pharmaceutical Sales answer example
"I have learned the differences between negative stress and positive pressure and react accordingly. I reduce negative stress by dealing with the situation and perform under positive pressure by doing my best work."
Private Tutor answer example
"The interviewer is really looking for past experiences that you have been in that have been stressful. They want to get to know your background better. Highlight these examples, tell them how you remained calm and held your composure. Tell the interviewer what you learned from those experiences. A good example, when you have been in stressful situations, you have found its best to remain calm so you can think through any challenges that you are facing. Try to think of these examples before the interview because this is a very common interview question and may likely be asked."
Sales answer example
"I do well under pressure or stress, within reason. I obviously need to balance myself and my workload out, as much as possible, or it can become an overwhelming workplace vibe. I know myself and my triggers pretty well, so when I feel like there's too much on my plate, I know how to center myself and just dig in and get through it, knowing I'll come out better on the other side."
Stage Manager answer example
"I always remain calm and look for ways to be more efficient. For instance, if there is an unexpected deadline, I will determine what can be done to ensure the deadline can be met, I will write down the steps to take to ensure successful completion and will delegate a few tasks if necessary. In brief, I am always ready to adjust my approach because stressful situations are bound to occur in a professional environment."
Teacher answer example
"The interviewer is really looking for past experiences where you have been in that have been stressful. They want to get to know your background better. Highlight these examples, tell them how you remained calm, and held your composure. Tell the interviewer what you learned from those experiences. A good example, when you have been in stressful situations, you have found its best to remain calm so you can think through any challenges that you are facing. Try to think of these examples before the interview, because this is a very common interview question and may likely be asked."