How do you deal with stress at work?
The hiring manager is aware that stress at work is unavoidable. Learning how you cope with individual challenges at work and the day-to-day stress of the position is important to determine if you have what it takes to succeed in this role. This answer can be pulled from any previous work experience, not just pharmacy. I would suggest bringing real-life examples into your answer. The key here is not to pretend stress doesn't exist, or that you aren't affected by it, but to specifically answer how you don't let stress affect your work performance with helpful coping mechanisms.
"Good question. I have worked at the third busiest store in the district/the busiest emergency room/a demanding home infusion business for ___ years/months. I found that I can handle stressful situations best when I recognize I am trying to help people in their most challenging moments. This gives me a different perspective and allows me to not live in the emotion of the moment. I also journal and run regularly on my days off."
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
We all deal with stress at work. I have found the best way for me to deal with a stressful situation at work is to take five minutes of rest to perform some deep breathing. This allows me to come back to my work, feeling less tense and more productive and focused.
Chad's Feedback
Stepping away for five minutes, and breathing exercises, are both effective techniques for managing stress. Good job! The interviewer will be assured from your response that you are able to effectively handle the stress associated with the position.
Anonymous Answer
When I am stressed or face negative situations, I take a 5min break at the back and drink some tea to soothe myself. When I come back from work I discuss it with my mom. Talking about it relieves me.
Stephanie's Feedback
Excellent response! It's clear that you have adopted a self-care strategy that works well for you, which is critical when facing stressful employment situations.
Anonymous Answer
I find that taking a break and being mindful allows me to deal with the stress of work. Being able to walk away for a moment and breathe allows me to bring my thoughts together and reprocess them. I can then return to my post refreshed and ready.
Marcie's Feedback
Great! The interviewer will be happy to hear that you've developed a way to deal with stress at work. To make your answer more impactful, consider giving an example of a time when you successfully dealt with a stressful situation at work. Prove to the interviewer that you can manage challenges so they feel confident you'll be able to do this in the future within the role. Good job!
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