How to Answer “How do you Handle Stress” in an Interview?

How to Answer “How do you Handle Stress” in an Interview?

How do you handle stress? Do you know that feeling that engulfs you when you sit in the waiting area as you nervously wait your turn for an interview? The clock seems to tick louder, as your mind races through the potential questions and answers.

As you step into the interview room, you feel the constant glare, and you remind yourself to breathe. This can be a stressful situation for most people. As the interview goes on, the question, “How do you handle stress?” pops up. It’s a moment that could define how the interviewers perceive your ability to cope with pressure.

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Here is how you can craft your response;

Understand the question

Such a question aims to test your ability to cope with workplace challenges. Remember that employers seek candidates who can maintain their performance regardless of the situation.

1. Acknowledge Stress as Normal

Stress is a natural part of the job, and acknowledging it will show the interviewers that you have a realistic understanding of the typical workplace.

Additionally, discussing stress as a normal part of the job allows you to transition smoothly into your coping strategies. It lets you share how you learned to manage stress.

2. Share a Personal Story

By sharing a personal story, you make your response more relatable. For example, describe a moment of chaos you once found yourself in, how the deadlines were fast approaching, and everyone was counting on you.

3. Highlights Strategies

You need a technique to manage stress effectively. For example, highlight how you plan to manage time, organize tasks and create a schedule according to priority.

4. Emphasize Positive Outcomes

Remember to conclude your personal story positively. For example, after highlighting your strategies, you can say how you beat the deadlines and delivered outstanding results.

5. Reflect on Growth

Your experiences with stress management have made you who you are in your career. Therefore, you should focus on the valuable lessons you have learned.

For example, the situation taught you the importance of communication and teamwork. You also learnt how to improve your stress management skills by seeking feedback from coworkers and the importance of effective time management.

Conclusion

A good employee is not someone who is never stressed but can work effectively despite overwhelming pressure. Do not panic when asked this question. Instead, use it to showcase your abilities in a fast-paced environment.

If you want to develop your interview skills further and gain confidence in your responses, consider enrolling in our interview coaching class.