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University Administrator Mock Interview

Question 8 of 35 for our University Administrator Mock Interview

University Administrator was updated by on October 22nd, 2023. Learn more here.

Question 8 of 35

Give an example of a time when you have had to work within a pressurized environment. How did you react?

"I am currently an executive admin and my environment can become pressurized during busy times for the company. The executive I report to is the CFO of the company and our busiest time of the year happens when we are budgeting for the upcoming year. I have learned to reach out to all of the department heads early and meet with them to encourage them to refine their proposed budgets well before the due date. This helps avoid the stress that comes when my manager asks them to rework their budgets within a very limited time frame.

Also, the department heads get upset sometimes when their budgets for various items are cut. They typically use me as a sounding board for their feelings, so I make sure to allocate time for my tasks in addition to impromptu meetings. I listen and use empathy for their concerns."

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How to Answer: Give an example of a time when you have had to work within a pressurized environment. How did you react?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an University Administrator job interview.

  • 8. Give an example of a time when you have had to work within a pressurized environment. How did you react?

      How to Prep

      It is important to take the time to prepare your best professional stories prior to any interview. Reflecting on times in which you were successful under pressure can help you answer a number of questions with ease.

      Written by Karrie Day on September 24th, 2023

      How to Answer

      The STAR method (situation, task, action, result) works best for this style of question. Give your interviewer background information on the situation and then describe the task(s) you knew were needed. Next, outline the specific actions you took to cope with the pressure or resolve the situation. Finally, let your interviewer know what the results of your actions were as well as any lessons learned.

      Written by Karrie Day on September 24th, 2023

      Answer Example

      "I am currently an executive admin and my environment can become pressurized during busy times for the company. The executive I report to is the CFO of the company and our busiest time of the year happens when we are budgeting for the upcoming year. I have learned to reach out to all of the department heads early and meet with them to encourage them to refine their proposed budgets well before the due date. This helps avoid the stress that comes when my manager asks them to rework their budgets within a very limited time frame.

      Also, the department heads get upset sometimes when their budgets for various items are cut. They typically use me as a sounding board for their feelings, so I make sure to allocate time for my tasks in addition to impromptu meetings. I listen and use empathy for their concerns."

      Written by Karrie Day on September 24th, 2023

      Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

      Anonymous Answer

      "In the beginning of the year when it was still registration for students. Normally students would stress because of finances, they need people to listen and provide a solution. I had to prepare myself to listen to each person's story and get information from other colleagues that might be of help. I assured students that it would be okay, and encouraged them to calm down and stay focused. Proper planning and organizing my work load also helped."

      Rachelle's Feedback

      Nice start! Next, I encourage you to take this general overview and carve out one specific story example. Then, you can create a situational/behavioral-based response using the STAR framework: Master Behavioral-Based Interviews Using The Star Method

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