In addition to explaining how you work effectively under pressure, also mention the methods you use to manage workplace stress. I was forced to take up both projects at the same time, but I did not let the stress affect me. ", 5 Tips for Balancing Work and Family Effectively, 8 Steps for How to Stop Overthinking at Work. One time I was supposed to deliver a project to a client in five days. Learn how to answer: Back in high school, working under pressure was really hard for me. For example, if you actually don’t deal well with pressure, explain how you’re working on this issue. You might also provide examples of times when pressure actually made you work more productively. This will help you understand how you may work under pressure and the things that you need to do in order to shorten the presentation so that you still have the key points at hand. But it's also an immediate one. Those five hours were both intense and stressful, but I managed to create a powerful presentation. It also helps them get a better idea about you personally to see if you’re a good fit for the company. Dana Guterman is a content strategist, writer, and researcher, specializing in higher education and career development. I actually work better under pressure and I've found that I enjoy working in a challenging environment. When you’re under pressure, remember that the best you can do is your best, you can’t try harder than your best and unfortunately your best may not … End on an affirming note: you’ll bring the same skills to this role. Many schools offer free counseling for students. Talk about a time when you faced serious pressure. If you work well under pressure, this is a great answer: it’s clear, enthusiastic, and specific. Follow up with a concrete example of when you successfully handled stress in the past. Create a plan. I think that pressure does not affect me very much. No matter what happens, I’m ready for it. Even if a person thinks he works better under pressure, he may work better under normal conditions. I’ve developed several personal strategies, and I now see pressure as a motivating factor and a challenge, so when these situations arise, I approach them with a positive mindset.”. Do so with confidence, otherwise, the company may doubt your resolve. I started doing yoga three times a week. You must be able to recollect and strategize, or at least accept the situation at hand and roll with it. What’s the most stressful situation you’ve faced at work? I wanted to get better at functioning under pressure, so two years ago, I read, Stress: The Psychology of Managing Pressure. If you struggle under pressure, that’s okay. Next time you think to yourself ‘I perform better under pressure’ or ‘I work well at the last minute’ remember that it is just a trick your brain is playing on you. I think John Updike described it well, to paraphrase ; procrastination is the belief that the closer one gets to the deadline, the more time seems to dilate, and the more you believe your self capable of accomplishing. This is more of a temporary solution compared to the ones above. My heart would race, and I would feel like every moment of stress was this huge obstacle to overcome. Instead, I came up with a very detailed time management plan and found new ways to boost efficiency that enabled me to deliver both projects on time.”, Related: 8 Steps for How to Stop Overthinking at Work, “I am not naturally efficient under pressure, but it is something that I have learned with experience. You need to show that you have a good record of working under pressure. After identifying (on paper) at least a half dozen topics … That’s why interviewers love to ask, “How do you work under pressure?”. But pressure invigorates me—rather than getting overwhelmed and stressed out, my adrenaline kicks in, and I feel energized. The interviewer will ask this to try and find out whether you understand that the job will put you in stressful situations, if you can deal with this, and how you handle pressure in the workplace. If you don't, chances are you know someone who does. This really focused me and allowed me to put everything in perspective. "I do handle pressure well, in fact, let me give you an example. Here are some things you need to consider when preparing to answer this question: STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result. Exercise releases endorphins and forces your brain to take a break. If I’m under pressure at work, I know how to make it work. If you’re struggling to get into work on time, because either you overslept or are over-tired from lying awake all night, then you may be under too much pressure at work. It’s often not the work itself but what the work means. Now, when I’m under pressure, I do my breathing exercises, cut back on the caffeine, and remain calm. Imagine that everyone is watching. Related: 5 Tips for Balancing Work and Family Effectively. When things don’t work out, not only do you have to be patient, but adaptable as well [4]. Arguing with yourself about whether you can meet the expectations of an assignment is counterproductive and wastes time. It was a lot to get through. Hence, people mostly succeed rather than fail under pressure. “I never get stressed.” Yes, you do, and saying you never get stressed will come across as disingenuous. I think it is often a myth that people work better under pressure. “I tend to embrace working under pressure because it forces me to become the best version of myself and act in a quick and decisive manner. However, I think if you answer that you work the same with pressure and without pressure, the interviewer will be more impressed. If someone asks you a question that catches you off guard, pause, look thoughtful, and say, ‘That’s a really interesting question. Employers want to know if you’re able to work efficiently in a demanding and fast-paced environment and whether you’re prepared to go the extra mile. A key reservation here is that you should pay attention to the nature of the pressure you are under. The ability to stay calm, think logically and act correctly in such a scenario is a major asset for any employee. By appearing calm and confident, you are more likely to feel calm and confident. For me can handle pressure, the pressure you have a negative effect on overall productivity, employers team... Affirming note: you ’ ll encounter plenty of high-pressure situations, both familiar and foreign to handle workplace.. Your Teaching Philosophy five days re not so keen on high-stress situations be completely honest when discussing your abilities a... 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