How can you handle behavioral interview questions about working under pressure?

1 What is the STAR method?

The STAR method is a simple and effective way to structure your answers to behavioral interview questions. It stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. You start by describing a specific situation or scenario where you had to work under pressure, then you explain the task or goal you had to achieve, the action or steps you took to accomplish it, and the result or outcome you achieved. The STAR method helps you showcase your skills, abilities, and achievements in a clear and concise way.

2 How to prepare examples

Before the interview, you should prepare some examples of situations where you worked under pressure, using the STAR method. You can draw from your previous work experience, education, volunteer work, or personal projects. Choose examples that are relevant to the job and the company, and that demonstrate your strengths and values. For instance, you could talk about how you handled a tight deadline, a difficult client, a complex problem, or a team conflict. Make sure your examples are specific, realistic, and positive.

3 How to avoid common mistakes

When answering behavioral interview questions about working under pressure, you should avoid some common mistakes that could undermine your credibility and confidence. For instance, don't give vague or generic answers that do not show your personal contribution or impact, blame others or make excuses for your actions or results, focus on the negative aspects or emotions of the situation, exaggerate or lie about your achievements or skills, or ramble or go off-topic. Instead, use concrete and measurable details to support your answers, take responsibility and show accountability for your actions and results, highlight the positive aspects or learnings of the situation, be honest and realistic about your achievements and skills, and be concise and focused on the question.

4 How to practice

One of the best ways to prepare for behavioral interview questions about working under pressure is to practice. You can use online resources, such as sample questions and answers, to get familiar with the format and content of these questions. You can also ask a friend, a colleague, or a mentor to conduct a mock interview with you and give you feedback on your answers. You should practice using the STAR method, choosing relevant examples, and avoiding common mistakes. The more you practice, the more confident and prepared you will be for the real interview.

5 How to follow up

After the interview, you should follow up with the interviewer and thank them for their time and interest. You can also restate your interest in the job and the company, and briefly summarize your main qualifications and achievements. You can use this opportunity to emphasize how you can handle working under pressure and add value to the organization. You can also address any questions or concerns that the interviewer may have raised during the interview, and provide any additional information or documents that they may have requested. A follow-up email or letter can help you stand out from other candidates and reinforce your impression.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?