You know there are a litany of common interview questions to prepare for. But when it comes to talking about a stressful or pressure-filled situation, the example you highlight needs to end well. In order to do that, you can’t simply wing it. You have to take a few steps first, so that you have a response that aces the answer and impresses the hiring manager.
As one of the leading office staffing agencies, Future Force is here to help you do that. Below are some tips to get you there:
Choose a story that makes sense.
When you’re at work, you’re likely faced with stressful situations daily. Circumstances, timelines, customer demands, and more are constantly changing, which puts pressure on you. However, just any situation won’t do when it comes to answering this question. You have to carefully select the right one to make the best impression possible.
When you’re thinking of possibilities, consider those options that are most relevant to the particular role that you’re interviewing for. Even if you handled a certain issue exceptionally well, if it doesn’t relate to the job at all, it’s not going to make much of an impact.
To target the right story, take a look at the job posting again and make a list of the soft skills that are vitally important; for instance, time management, customer communication, or working independently. Then think of a situation that came up where you were able to demonstrate one of these skills under pressure and come out on top.
Tell it in a clear, concise way.
The hiring manager doesn’t need a long-winded answer when it comes to the situation you’re focusing on. Instead, explain the context of the situation, why it was stressful for you, what you did to deal with the circumstances and the outcome you were able to achieve. By following this simple approach, you’ll avoid rambling while still getting your point across in a way that stands out.
Explain what you learned from the situation.
Another way to make your mark with the hiring manager is to tell them what you gleaned from the situation. For instance, if there was something you could have done differently to avoid the stressful events altogether, then talk about that. Or discuss the various ways that you’ve learned to deal with stress at work, such as coping techniques. This will demonstrate to the hiring manager that you have what it takes to manage whatever comes your way if you’re hired for the job.
Need more help finding job leads and preparing for interviews?
Turn to the team at Future Force, one of the top office staffing agencies. We know which companies are hiring and how to help you get your foot in the door with them all, so you land a job that’s a great fit for you. Contact us today to get started or search our jobs now!
