How to Answer: How do you handle the stress and pressure of tight deadlines?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Writer job interview.
28. How do you handle the stress and pressure of tight deadlines?
How to Answer
Writers are often subject to immense pressure being required to write under a tight deadline or working under strict rules that are tough to follow. Discuss how you work under pressure, ensuring that you meet your client's needs at all times. Some ways to cope could be using a convenient project management system, slotting your writing hours, creating a solid outline before beginning, or having outside resources such as a researcher or editor at your disposal. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of managing the stress that comes with being an in-demand writer.
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 20th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I feel I do some of my best work under pressure; however, it is never ideal to be under the thumb of a tight deadline. To minimize potential stress, I will sub-contract an editor or use a researcher for articles or e-books that require a great amount of research. Leaning on the skills of others is something that writers find hard to do, but it is a life-saver when the pressure is on."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 20th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"Deadlines are par for the course when working as a writer. I am sure to use a few project management applications such as Trello and Wrike, to ensure that my work is always well organized. Half the stress of a job comes from feeling unprepared so, when I can nip those feelings in the bud, everything else seems to fall into place."
Written by Rachelle Enns on December 20th, 2018