Do you consider yourself a patient person? How do you increase your patience level in challenging situations?
The interviewer would like to know if you consider yourself a patient individual. Impatience can cause a lot of stress and anxiety in coworkers, so it is essential that you can showcase your ability to remain patient and professional in workplace situations.
Patience is indeed a virtue but can be challenging to maintain when it seems that situations continue to push your buttons. Show the interviewer that you possess the ability to keep your cool in challenging conditions.
"I do consider myself a patient person. I would rate myself an eight out of ten for patience because I certainly have room to grow, but I do have a very long fuse. If I need a boost of patience in a challenging situation, I will take a step away, count to 10, and then return to the situation. I recently read a book, 'The Power of Patience' by M.J. Ryan, which also gave me some excellent new methods for coping with stress."
"I am fairly patient with other people. I tend to be impatient with myself if I am not finishing a project as fast as I think I should be. But, I am learning to be patient with myself as well. I find that breathing exercises and closing my eyes for a few seconds can help me regroup."
"I can be patient, but it's more of a learned skill than something innate. I have worked to become more patient and not demonstrate my frustration or impatience with others. I know when others are pushing me, it's counterproductive, so I remind myself of that when dealing with others. Also, I know when I'm running out of patience and am proactive in asking for some time to regroup as appropriate."
Most interviewers want to hire border patrol officers who are patient and can remain calm in challenging situations. Focus on letting the interviewer know that you are patient and professional and can increase your patience level during difficult times.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
I do consider myself to be a patient person but if I happen to be in a position where my patience is challenged, I step away from the situation, breath, regroup and attempt to approach the situation from a different perspective. Typically that will do the trick.
Marcie's Feedback
Good response! Stepping away to breathe and regroup is a great way to regain your patience. If you can provide an example of a time when you successfully did this in the past, definitely mention it as it will strengthen your answer.
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