Being a researcher can be really stressful. How do you handle the stress that comes with this line of work?

"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."

The interviewer would like to know your methods of coping with stress. The best way to display to the interviewer that you are cool under pressure is to give an example of a time when you did just that. You can also offer a reliable reference who will speak to your ability to manage stress productively.

"I understood going into this type of work that I would be under immense pressure from time to time. Managing stress is not a problem for me. While working for my previous lab, I had a major deadline coming up that everyone thought I would miss. Because of my strong ability to prioritize, I was able to finish the project on time without skipping a beat! I would be happy to provide you with the name of my previous supervisor. He can speak to my stress management skills as well."