"Do you work well under
pressure?"
In most cases, the best answer to
this question is answering yes. Working well under pressure is a good trait to
have. However, I think if you answer that you work the same with pressure and
without pressure, the interviewer will be more impressed. However, you will
need to explain in words why this is better. Here are some of my answers.
Short Answers
"I work well under pressure
because I use the pressure to help me work more efficiently."
"I enjoy working under pressure
because I believe it helps me grow. In my previous experience, I always worked
well during deadlines, and I always learned how to work more efficiently
afterwards."
"I work well under pressure
because I don't panic. I maintain self control and work as efficiently as
possible. In all my experiences, I did well and I always enjoyed the
experience."
Long Answers
"To tell you the truth, I think
I work the same if there's pressure or if there's no pressure. I try and take
out negative emotional factors and work hard regardless of down time or busy
time. I always prioritize and organize my work, and from there, work
efficiently. If the situation involved pressure due to a lack of time, then the
only difference in my work would be the extra time I would need to put in to
meet the deadline on time. Since I believe my normal work is great work, then I
suppose I work well under pressure."
I like this answer because it is
different than the standard answer. If you are not comfortable with this
answer, then you can use the next one.
"I have a couple of friends who
hate working under pressure. I don't know if it's odd, but I really enjoy
working under pressure. I use the feelings of pressure as a tool to motivate me
to work harder and more efficiently. In my last job, I remember we had a project
to complete in 4 days where it usually took 10 days. There was a lot of panic
by some team members, but I ensured everyone that if we concentrate on the task
and work real hard, we can complete the project. It took a lot of overtime, and
the last day we were in the office until two AM, but we managed to finish. It
was hard work, but I really enjoyed that experience."
You might
not have experienced this example before, but what is preventing you from
making something up? To tell you the truth, I never experienced it before
either. There are some things you shouldn't lie about because they can find out
about it such as your GPA or what school you attended, but a story such as the
one I included above cannot be verified by the interviewer. The only thing you
have to be careful about is being able to answer follow up questions.
