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Stressful Interview Questions

Here are 15 interview questions that were created to test how you handle stressful situations at work and also how calmly you can handle difficult interview questions.

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Question 2 of 15

Which parts of your current position brings you the most stress?

Stress can often be a regular part of the day to day work experience. Talk to the interviewer about which areas of your career are the most stressful. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (IE: a bus driver should not find driving to be the most stressful part of the job).

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How to Answer: Which parts of your current position brings you the most stress?

  • 2. Which parts of your current position brings you the most stress?

      How to Answer

      Stress can often be a regular part of the day to day work experience. Talk to the interviewer about which areas of your career are the most stressful. Ensure that your answer does not include a factor that would make you appear unfit for the position. (IE: a bus driver should not find driving to be the most stressful part of the job).

      Answer Example

      "The part of my career that brings me the most stress is when the schedule is running behind due to lack of hustle on my teams part. I like to be on time with my schedule to ensure that my clients are taken care of."

      Admin

      "I am currently taking a technical writing course in the evenings and weekends so, taking these classes around my current hours is tough and causing me a bit of stress; hence, why I am seeking a new position with more workable hours."

      Manager

      "I currently have a couple of delinquent team members who are on the brink of termination. I have tried to save them a few times, but now the HR department has become involved. I never like to see people leave, but you cannot force others to have a strong work ethic. The turnover in our plant is currently my biggest stressor."

      Marketing

      "I am just beginning to take on more enterprise level clients who are a cause of stress, but I would say the good kind of stress - for the most part. I want everything to be perfect, so I work a bit slower on these projects than usual. I do realize that most of the stress and pressure that I feel is coming from within."

      Retail

      "We are having troubles with loss prevention efforts right now, so I would say that biggest stressor for me, at the moment, comes with month-end inventory counts. I cringe at the numbers, and then I have to submit them to our head office. I have asked for additional cameras, and even security at the door, but they won't invest in these efforts."

      Sales

      "My targets are pretty inflated at the moment, despite the bad economic situation. Every year, we have an automatic 15% increase in our targets when in reality, many of my big clients are clawing back on their spending this year. It stresses me out because I have doubled my cold calling numbers and spend 30% more time on the road, but the numbers just aren't adding up yet."

      Teacher

      "Budget cuts are stressful for any teacher; however, our district has been hit especially hard this year. I have to be very conscious of my lesson plans and the materials used, and have had to cut back on field trips which is an unfortunate fact for the kids."

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "I used to be quite panicky and stressed previously. This usually happens when I have a lot on my plate. I found it stressful as I had to go through so many things in such a short period. But with my new stress management tactics - active in sports, exercise, meditation, and walking in the park- I feel I can control the situation more calmly. With a calm and steady mindset, it is always easier to manage the stress in my head and the decision made was sound too."

      Jaymie's Feedback

      You have a good foundation here! If you have specific examples related to your job where stress was a significant factor and how your stress management techniques have improved the situation, sharing those examples could make your response more compelling. Depending on the position you're applying for, you might relate your response to the specific responsibilities and challenges of that role. Explain how your stress management techniques better equip you to handle job-related stressors.

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