How to Answer: There are times when we are placed under extreme pressure on the job. Tell about a time when you were under such pressure and how you handled it.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Construction Manager job interview.
3. There are times when we are placed under extreme pressure on the job. Tell about a time when you were under such pressure and how you handled it.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Working as a construction manager, you know you will encounter extreme pressure and stress. You could be under pressure to meet a tight deadline, work within a budget, satisfy clients' demands, and personnel issues can arise. The interviewer wants to see how you handle the pressures of the job while gaining insight into your critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving skills. Describe a recent project where it was a high-pressure situation and explain how you remained calm while working under stress.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021
What to Avoid
You want to avoid answering that you could not handle the pressures of the job or that you walked off the job site to collect your thoughts. You must show that you can sufficiently handle any pressure or stressors that come your way.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021
Answer Example
"Most projects I have worked on have some degree of pressure placed on me. The most recent project where I was placed under extreme pressure was a supermarket build. We had a certain amount of time to complete the project, or the company would be charged a hefty penalty for every day we went over the deadline. The timeline was doable, barring any problems. Everything was running smoothly until a crane collapsed on the project due to high winds, taking out part of the roof and injuring three workers. The job was shut down until an investigation was completed, and then the roof needed to be repaired. This accident set us back a month, and it was going to be costly for the company. I decided it would be cheaper to work around the clock and bring in extra crews to complete the project on time. We ended up finishing two days early, but it was a very stressful month, indeed."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 14th, 2021