How to Answer "Tell Me About A Time When You Had to Work Under Pressure?" (With Sample Answers)

by Daniel Wolken

Published at: November 25, 2023

When interviewing for a job, you may encounter a question like "Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure?" This is a behavioral interview question that is designed to assess your ability to handle stress and pressure. It is important to answer this question effectively to demonstrate that you are a good fit for the job.

To answer this question, you should provide a specific example of a time when you faced a high-pressure situation at work. You should describe the situation, explain the actions you took to address the situation, and discuss the outcome. Your answer should demonstrate your ability to remain calm under pressure, think critically, and take decisive action. It is also important to emphasize what you learned from the experience and how you have applied those lessons in your work since then.

In this article, we will provide tips and sample answers to help you prepare for this common interview question. We will discuss how to identify a good example to use, how to structure your answer, and what to avoid. By following these guidelines, you can impress your interviewer and show that you are capable of handling high-pressure situations in the workplace.

Why Employers Ask This?

One of the most common behavioral interview questions that employers ask is "Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure?" This question is designed to assess how you handle stress and pressure in the workplace and how you perform under difficult circumstances.

Employers want to know if you have the skills and abilities to handle high-pressure situations and meet deadlines, as this is a critical skill in many jobs. They also want to see if you can remain calm and focused under pressure, as this is important for maintaining productivity and quality of work.

By asking this question, employers are looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to work well under pressure and who have a track record of success in high-pressure situations. They want to hear specific examples of how you have handled pressure in the past and what steps you took to manage the situation.

To answer this question effectively, you need to provide a clear and concise response that highlights your ability to handle pressure and perform well under difficult circumstances. You should also be prepared to provide specific examples that demonstrate your skills and abilities in action.

Overall, employers ask this question to assess your ability to handle pressure in the workplace and to determine if you have the skills and abilities needed to succeed in a high-pressure environment. By preparing for this question and providing strong, relevant answers, you can demonstrate your value as a candidate and increase your chances of landing the remote job.

How to Answer This Question?

When answering the question "Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure?", it's important to structure your response in a clear and concise manner. This not only helps you to stay on track and avoid rambling, but it also makes it easier for the interviewer to follow your thought process and understand the situation you're describing.

One effective way to structure your response is to use the STAR method, which stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This method allows you to provide a complete and detailed answer that highlights your skills and accomplishments.

Here's how you can use the STAR method to structure your response:

Situation: Start by describing the situation you were in, including any relevant details such as the time, place, and people involved. Be clear and specific, but avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details.
Task: Next, explain what task or goal you were working towards at the time. This could be a project deadline, a customer request, or any other task that required you to work under pressure.
Action: Describe the specific actions you took to address the situation and complete the task. Be sure to highlight any skills or strategies you used, such as time management, problem-solving, or teamwork.
Result: Finally, explain the outcome of your actions. Did you meet the deadline or complete the task successfully? What impact did your actions have on the situation or the company as a whole?

By using the STAR method to structure your response, you can provide a clear and concise answer that highlights your skills and accomplishments. Remember to practice your response beforehand and be prepared to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work under pressure.

Sample Answers

When answering the question "Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure?" in a job interview, it is important to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to handle stress and meet deadlines. Here are some sample answers for different remote job roles:

Answer for a Team Leader

As a content team lead, I often face situations where I have to work under pressure to meet project deadlines. One such instance was when we were working on a critical project for a client, and the deadline was fast approaching. We were behind schedule, and the team was feeling the pressure. To ensure we met the deadline, I called for an emergency team meeting and delegated tasks to each member based on their strengths. I also provided support and guidance to the team to keep them motivated and focused. As a result, we were able to complete the project on time and to the satisfaction of the client.

Answer for a Project Manager

As a project manager, I am used to working under pressure to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget. One example of this was when we had a project with a tight deadline and a limited budget. To ensure that we met the deadline, I worked closely with the team to identify any potential roadblocks and find ways to overcome them. I also prioritized tasks and set clear deadlines for each team member. By doing so, we were able to complete our bookkeeping project on time and within budget.

Answer for a Sales Representative

As a sales executive, I often have to work under pressure to meet sales targets and deadlines. One example of this was when I had to close a deal with a client who was hesitant to sign the contract. To overcome this, I did my research on the client's needs and concerns and addressed them in a clear and concise manner. I also provided them with additional resources and information to help them make an informed decision. As a result, I was able to close the deal within the deadline and exceed my sales target for that quarter.

Remember, when answering this question, it is important to provide specific examples that demonstrate your ability to work under pressure and deliver results. By doing so, you will show the interviewer that you are capable of handling stressful situations and meeting deadlines.

Tips To Answer This Question

Here are important tips to keep in mind when answering the "Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure" interview question:

Be specific: When answering this question, be sure to provide a specific example of a time when you had to work under pressure. Use details to paint a clear picture of the situation, the actions you took, and the outcome.
Use the STAR method: To structure your answer, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This will help you provide a complete and organized answer that covers all the necessary information.
Highlight your problem-solving skills: When discussing your actions, be sure to highlight any problem-solving skills you used to overcome the pressure. This can include creative thinking, collaboration, or prioritization.
Show your resilience: Employers want to see that you can handle pressure and bounce back from challenges. Use your answer to demonstrate your resilience and ability to stay calm under pressure.
Practice your answer: Finally, practice your answer to this question before the interview. This will help you feel more confident and prepared, and ensure that you provide a clear and concise answer.

Conclusion

Answering the question "Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure" in an remote interview is a great opportunity to showcase your resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to remain calm and effective in challenging situation.

By following this structured approach, your answer will clearly convey your ability to handle pressure, demonstrating both your problem-solving skills and emotional resilience.

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