Interview Questions
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VIDEO: Tell me about a time you had to deal with office politics
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you had to solve a complex problem
Interview Question: Managing Stress – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time you were under a lot of stress and how you managed it
- 2 Other interview questions that are similar
- 3 What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
- 4 How best to structure your answer to this question
- 5 What you should NOT do when answering questions
- 6 Tell me about a time you were under a lot of stress and how you managed it – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time you were under a lot of stress and how you managed it
Other interview questions that are similar
- Describe an instance where you faced significant pressure at work or school and your strategy for coping with it.
- Can you recount a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline and the steps you took to ensure success?
- Share an experience when you had to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously and how you prioritized them.
- Discuss a moment when you felt overwhelmed by challenges and your method for overcoming them.
- Reflect on a time when you had to adapt quickly to unexpected changes or obstacles and your approach to dealing with them.
- Can you talk about a period of intense personal or professional change and how you managed your stress levels?
- Explain a scenario where you were tasked with a high-stakes project and the techniques you employed to remain calm and focused.
What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.
Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:
1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)
That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.
Given this, when you’re asked to share a time you were under a lot of stress and how you managed it, the interviewer is looking beyond just a story of a tough time. They’re digging into how you handle pressure and adversity—key indicators of whether you’ll be able to do the job under stressful conditions (point 1), your motivation and resilience in facing challenges (point 2), and your problem-solving and interpersonal skills, which hint at how well you’ll mesh with the team and culture (point 3).
So, in your response, focus on conveying not just the situation, but also the actions you took and the results of those actions. Highlight your problem-solving skills, how you prioritized tasks, sought help when needed, and kept a cool head—all of which demonstrate your competence, drive, and ability to fit into diverse work environments. This approach turns your answer into a powerful testament to your candidacy, touching on all three aspects interviewers are keen to understand.
How best to structure your answer to this question
Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.
Answers using this method follow the below structure:
B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? Your beliefs set the stage for demonstrating your passion and motivation during the interview, showcasing why you are not just capable but also eager to take on the challenges of the job.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe. This ensures the interviewer can quickly grasp the context, allowing you to focus more on your actions and their impact, which are crucial to proving your suitability for the role.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter. By emphasizing your role, you clearly define your responsibility and initiative, illustrating your ability to take charge and contribute effectively to your team’s goals.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question. Detailing your actions demonstrates your problem-solving skills and decision-making process, directly showcasing how you apply your knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.). Quantifying your achievements not only adds credibility to your answer but also provides concrete evidence of your ability to deliver results, which is a key factor in the interviewer’s assessment.
Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.
What you should NOT do when answering questions
Do not avoid the question. Directly addressing the question shows you can face challenges head-on.
Do not downplay the situation. Acknowledging the stress highlights your resilience and problem-solving skills.
Do not overhype the situation. Keeping a balanced view proves your ability to assess and manage challenges effectively.
Do not give a one-sentence answer. Expanding on your answer showcases your communication skills and ability to reflect.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action. Focus on your actions to demonstrate how you contribute to solutions.
Do not have a passive role in the situation. Emphasizing your active role shows initiative and leadership potential.
Do not forget to mention what you learned. Sharing lessons learned indicates growth and a forward-thinking mindset.
Tell me about a time you were under a lot of stress and how you managed it – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
I’ve always believed that stress, while inevitable, can be a powerful motivator if managed correctly. It’s crucial to approach high-pressure situations with a clear head and a strategic plan, recognizing that the way we respond to stress can significantly impact the outcome of challenging scenarios.
During a particularly challenging period at my previous job, we were tasked with launching a new product within an incredibly tight deadline. This situation was highly stressful, not only because of the time constraints but also due to the high stakes of the launch for our company’s reputation and future revenue.
Feeling the weight of these expectations, I knew it was essential to manage both my stress and that of my team effectively. I took a proactive role by first mapping out a clear plan of action, breaking down the launch process into manageable tasks. Recognizing the importance of morale and mental well-being, I also scheduled regular briefings with my team to encourage open discussions about our progress and any stressors we were facing.
To mitigate the stress, I delegated tasks based on individual strengths and availability, ensuring no one was overwhelmed. I also introduced short, daily stand-up meetings to quickly address concerns and adjust plans as needed. This approach fostered a supportive team environment and kept everyone focused and motivated.
The result of our concerted efforts was a successful product launch that not only met but exceeded our targets. We managed to complete the project ahead of schedule, which significantly reduced the stress levels within the team. The success of this launch led to a noticeable increase in team confidence and cohesiveness. Personally, this experience taught me valuable lessons in stress management, teamwork, and the importance of leadership in navigating high-pressure situations.
This story exemplifies how my belief in the positive aspects of stress management, combined with decisive action and team support, enables me to thrive under pressure and lead teams through challenging circumstances.
Example Answer 2 (Shorter)
More Sample Answers…
The examples provided above can serve as a foundation for creating your unique answers. For additional inspiration, our new guide includes five sample responses to this question and over 250 answers to all of the most common interview queries.
Other Interview Question and Answers
The Most Popular Interview Questions (YOU WILL BE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS – 100%)
45 Civil Service Interview Question and Answers
Interview Question: Managing Stress – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Motivating your Team – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Office Politics – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Motivating your Team – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time when you had to motivate a team
- 2 Other interview questions that are similar
- 3 What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
- 4 How best to structure your answer to this question
- 5 What you should NOT do when answering questions
- 6 Tell me about a time when you had to motivate a team – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time when you had to motivate a team
Other interview questions that are similar
- Can you describe an instance where you led a group through a challenging project?
- How have you inspired your team to achieve a goal they initially thought was unattainable?
- What strategies have you used to boost morale and productivity in a team facing low motivation?
- Share an experience where you had to rally your team to meet a tight deadline.
- How do you approach motivating a team that has experienced repeated setbacks?
- Describe a situation where you had to use creative methods to motivate a disengaged team.
- What techniques have you employed to maintain team motivation and focus during long-term projects?
What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.
Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:
1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)
That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.
So, when you’re faced with a question like “Tell me about a time when you had to motivate a team,” it’s not just about recounting a story where you were the hero. It’s an opportunity to demonstrate several key points that directly align with what the interviewer is looking for. Firstly, it shows your ability to lead and inspire others, which speaks volumes about your skills and experience (point 1). It also showcases your drive and determination to overcome obstacles, highlighting your motivation to get the job done (point 2). Lastly, the way you interact with your team and the methods you use to motivate them can give the interviewer insight into your personality and how well you might mesh with the company’s culture (point 3).
How best to structure your answer to this question
Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.
Answers using this method follow the below structure:
B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? Your belief in the importance of teamwork and motivation highlights your leadership philosophy, directly relevant to motivating a team.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe. This helps the interviewer understand the context in which you had to motivate your team, emphasizing your ability to navigate challenges.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter. Demonstrating your active role in motivating the team showcases your leadership skills and ability to take charge when necessary.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question. Your actions reflect your approach to solving problems and motivating your team, underscoring your practical skills and innovative methods in leadership.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of your leadership and motivation strategies, providing tangible evidence of your ability to positively impact the team and achieve goals.
Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.
What you should NOT do when answering questions
Do not avoid the question. Answering directly shows you’re prepared to discuss your leadership experiences.
Do not downplay the situation. Highlighting the challenge shows the value of your solution in motivating a team.
Do not overhype the situation. Keep it realistic to ensure your story is credible and relevant to motivating a team.
Do not give a one-sentence answer. Expanding on your actions demonstrates how you effectively motivate a team.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action. Focus on your role in motivating the team to show your active leadership.
Do not have a passive role in the situation. Emphasize your leadership in taking action to motivate the team.
Do not forget to mention what you learned. Reflecting on your experience shows growth and how it’s applicable to future team motivation.
Tell me about a time when you had to motivate a team – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
In my previous role as a project manager, I strongly believed in the power of recognition and clear communication as key motivators for any team. This belief was put to the test during a critical phase of a software development project where we were behind schedule and the team’s morale was low.
The situation involved launching a new software feature within a tight deadline. Halfway through, we encountered unexpected technical challenges, causing delays and frustration among the team members. They felt overwhelmed and demotivated, doubting our ability to meet the deadline.
As the project lead, my task was not only to manage the project but also to ensure the team remained motivated and focused. I knew I had to take immediate and decisive action to turn the situation around.
I started by organizing a series of one-on-one meetings with team members to understand their individual concerns and stress points. Recognizing the team’s hard work and addressing their concerns personally reinforced their value to the project. Next, I facilitated a team meeting to redefine our project milestones, breaking down the larger goal into more manageable tasks and setting up weekly progress reviews to celebrate small wins. I also introduced flexible working hours to accommodate personal commitments, aiming to reduce burnout.
The result was transformative. Within two weeks, there was a noticeable improvement in team morale and productivity. We not only caught up with our original timeline but also delivered the feature with a week to spare. The project’s success led to a 30% increase in user satisfaction and a significant reduction in post-launch issues, which was a record achievement for our team. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and the power of recognizing individual contributions to motivating a team and achieving project success.
Example Answer 2 (Shorter)
More Sample Answers…
The examples provided above can serve as a foundation for creating your unique answers. For additional inspiration, our new guide includes five sample responses to this question and over 250 answers to all of the most common interview queries.
Other Interview Question and Answers
The Most Popular Interview Questions (YOU WILL BE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS – 100%)
45 Civil Service Interview Question and Answers
Interview Question: Motivating your Team – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Office Politics – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Working With Tight Deadlines – Answer Examples
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you went above and beyond your responsibilities at work
VIDEO: Tell me about a time you worked in a fast-paced environment
Interview Question: Office Politics – Answer Examples
Contents
- 1 Tell me about a time when you had to deal with office politics
- 2 Other interview questions that are similar
- 3 What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
- 4 How best to structure your answer to this question
- 5 What you should NOT do when answering questions
- 6 Tell me about a time when you had to deal with office politics – Example answers
- 7 Other Interview Question and Answers
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with office politics
Other interview questions that are similar
- Can you describe an instance where navigating workplace dynamics was crucial to your success?
- How have you handled a situation involving conflict among team members at work?
- Share an example of how you managed to maintain professionalism amidst a politically charged work environment.
- What strategies have you employed to overcome challenges presented by office politics in achieving project goals?
- Describe a time when you had to use your diplomatic skills to resolve a power struggle within your team.
- Can you provide an example of how you successfully mediated a dispute between coworkers to maintain team harmony?
- How have you navigated a situation where office politics affected your job responsibilities or career progression?
What the interviewer is looking for by asking this question
There are probably an infinite number of questions that the interviewer could ask you on the day. Some questions are incredibly common appearing in almost every interview you will have, while other questions you might hear once and never again regardless of how many jobs you apply for.
Fundamentally though all interview questions are really trying to find out one of 3 things:
1 – Can you do the job? (Do you have the skills/experience needed?)
2 – Will you do the job? (Do you have the drive/motivation to get the job done?)
3 – Will you fit in? (Does your personality match the workplace culture? Are you likeable?)
That’s it. Those are the 3 things that the interviewer is trying to ascertain. Every question that is asked of you will fundamentally be trying to resolve one (or more) of these 3 things.
When you’re faced with a question about dealing with office politics, it’s essentially touching on the third point: Will you fit in? This type of question gives you a golden opportunity to demonstrate your interpersonal skills, emotional intelligence, and how you navigate complex social environments within the workplace. Your response can showcase your ability to maintain professionalism in challenging situations, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and foster a positive work environment, all of which are critical to a harmonious office culture.
How best to structure your answer to this question
Unless the question you are asked is a straight ‘up or down / yes or no’ style question then you are going to need to learn to describe, expand and elaborate on your answers. The best way of doing this is to follow the B-STAR technique for answering interview questions.
Answers using this method follow the below structure:
B – Belief – What are your thoughts and feelings with regard to the subject matter? Your beliefs provide insight into how you perceive and react to office politics, showcasing your values and conflict-resolution style to the interviewer.
S – Situation – What was going on? Briefly explain the scenario that was taking place. – Try not to spend too much time describing the situation. The bulk of your answer needs to be about you and what you did so keep the situation simple to understand and even simpler to describe. This helps interviewers understand the context of your actions and how you navigate complex social dynamics at work.
T – Task – What was your role in the action? Most of the time it is best that you are taking an active rather than passive role in the encounter. Illustrating your role in the situation demonstrates your initiative and leadership in dealing with office politics, which are qualities employers value.
A – Activity (or action) – What did you do? Detail the steps you took and why you took them. – This should take up the bulk of your time answering the question. Your actions reveal your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain professionalism in politically charged situations, indicating how you’ll handle similar challenges in the future.
R – Result – How did everything end up? Try to use figures if possible (e.g. we cut costs by $3m, customer satisfaction scores increased 25%, failures reduced to zero, ice cream parties increased ten-fold etc.). Sharing measurable outcomes from your actions not only quantifies your success but also shows potential employers the tangible benefits you can bring to their team, even in the face of office politics.
Remember though that the B-STAR technique is descriptive not prescriptive. You do not need to follow this flow strictly, go with what is best for your answers and that will allow you to put your point across and show your experience the best.
What you should NOT do when answering questions
Do not avoid the question. Addressing it directly shows you can handle difficult conversations about office politics.
Do not downplay the situation. Acknowledging its complexity demonstrates your understanding of workplace dynamics.
Do not overhype the situation. Keeping a balanced view shows your ability to stay objective under pressure.
Do not give a one-sentence answer. Expanding on your experience provides insight into your problem-solving skills.
Do not overly describe the scenario and miss the action. Focus on your actions to highlight your proactive approach in navigating office politics.
Do not have a passive role in the situation. Illustrating your active involvement showcases your leadership and initiative.
Do not forget to mention what you learned. Sharing your learnings shows growth and the ability to adapt from experiences with office politics.
Tell me about a time when you had to deal with office politics – Example answers
Example Answer 1 (Detailed)
In my previous role as a project manager, I strongly believed that clear communication and empathy were key to navigating office politics effectively. I found myself in a situation where there was a significant misunderstanding between two team members over project responsibilities, which was causing tension and impacting the team’s morale and productivity.
I was responsible for leading the project and ensuring that the team worked cohesively towards our goals. Recognizing the potential for the misunderstanding to escalate into a larger conflict, I knew I had to act quickly and decisively.
I initiated a series of one-on-one conversations with each team member involved to understand their perspectives and feelings on the matter. I listened actively, acknowledging their concerns without taking sides. Then, I organized a team meeting where everyone could openly discuss their viewpoints in a controlled and respectful environment. My aim was to facilitate a constructive dialogue and find a common ground. To prepare, I outlined key discussion points and established ground rules to ensure a productive conversation.
Through this process, we were able to identify the root of the misunderstanding, which was largely due to unclear communication about project roles and expectations. Together, we agreed on a more structured way to assign and communicate tasks, including regular check-ins to prevent similar issues in the future.
As a result of these actions, not only was the immediate conflict resolved, but the team’s overall communication improved significantly. This led to a 20% increase in project efficiency and a notable improvement in team morale. More importantly, the team members involved in the conflict reported feeling more supported and valued, which strengthened their collaboration on the project and beyond.
This experience taught me the importance of addressing office politics proactively and the value of fostering an open and empathetic team culture. It reinforced my belief that many workplace conflicts can be resolved through effective communication and a willingness to understand each other’s perspectives.
Example Answer 2 (Shorter)
More Sample Answers…
The examples provided above can serve as a foundation for creating your unique answers. For additional inspiration, our new guide includes five sample responses to this question and over 250 answers to all of the most common interview queries.
Other Interview Question and Answers
The Most Popular Interview Questions (YOU WILL BE ASKED THESE QUESTIONS – 100%)
45 Civil Service Interview Question and Answers
Interview Question: Working With Tight Deadlines – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Handling Confidential Information – Answer Examples
Interview Question: Solving Complex Problems – Answer Examples