Tell me about a time when you handled a stressful situation at work.

This question is asked by interviewers to determine how you handle stress. They want to know that you can handle stress while still doing a good job. When responding to this question, try to concentrate on a time when you overcame a stressful situation and the positive outcome.

While people consider perfection impossible, hiring managers need candidates that show an in-depth understanding of the role. After giving your example, ensure the focus is on how you handled the stressful situation properly. This shows that you didn't remove yourself from the stressful situation, but that you have the skills to persevere and deliver quality work.

Example: “I was recently working in a busy medical office as a Medical Assistant. One day, I had to manage a particularly stressful situation when one of our patients became upset and started yelling at the receptionist.

I quickly stepped in and tried to de-escalate the situation by speaking calmly and reassuringly to the patient. I explained that we were doing our best to help them and asked if there was anything else we could do to make their experience better. After some time, the patient calmed down and thanked me for my assistance.

This experience taught me how important it is to remain calm under pressure and handle difficult situations with empathy and understanding. It also showed me the importance of communication and problem solving skills in a medical setting. As a Medical Assistant, I understand the need to be able to think on my feet and respond appropriately in challenging situations.”