Question: Describe a time when you worked well under pressure.

Alternative Question Phrasing:

Give us an example of a situation where you worked under pressure.

Follow-up questions:

Question Details:

Question Type:

Behavioral

Skills:

Basic – Critical Thinking,Basic – Science and Logic,Complex Problem Solving,Management of Time

Abilities:

Cognitive – Deductive Reasoning,Cognitive – Inductive Reasoning,Cognitive – Originality,Cognitive – Problem Sensitivity (Problem Recognition),Cognitive – Speed of Closure (Thinking Speed)

Other Factors:

Candidate Preparedness,Personality-Job Fit

Work Activity (Task):

Information Input – Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events,Information Input – Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials (for Problem Identification),Mental Processes – Developing Objectives and Strategies,Mental Processes – Judging the Value of Things, Services, or People,Mental Processes – Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work,Mental Processes – Thinking Creatively (Creativity),Mental Processes – Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work Context (Person-Job/Team/Org Fit):

Job Structure – Handling Time Pressure,Job Structure – Structured versus Unstructured Work

Work Style (Person-Job Fit):

Adaptability/Flexibility,Analytical Thinking,Handling Ambiguity,Initiative

Question Frequency

Question Difficulty

What to look for in an answer:

If the candidate understands that pressure is a positive motivator unlike stress which is negative.
If the candidate shares an example from which it is evident that they can handle things when they get tough.

Red Flags to Watch For:

If the candidate portrays pressure in negative light.
If the candidate’s example proves that they got under pressure because of their own actions.

Sample Answer:

N/A

Question Source: https://www.totaljobs.com/advice/most-common-competency-based-interview-questions