No matter what profession or industry you're in, you'll have your fair share of stress in the workplace. Recruiters often want to understand how you manage pressure, which is why one of the most common interview questions you’ll likely face is: “How do you handle stress?”
They don't want a blatant lie (like, “I never feel stressed”), but they don't want to hear an uncomfortable, unprofessional truth either (like, “I panic and shut down”). Instead, they’re looking to see that you perform well under pressure and have strategies for managing your emotions. Here's how to craft and deliver a strong answer.
The more interviews you land, the more options you’ll have—check open jobs on The Muse to find your next opportunity »
Why employers ask this question
Employers want employees who can thrive in challenging circumstances in a healthy and constructive way. That's why they ask questions like “How do you handle stress?” or similar variations.
“A seasoned interviewer will ask you to answer how you handle stress, then they will observe through the interview if your stress responses match your answer,” says Muse career coach Anne M. Kelly. “They want to gauge your self-awareness.”
You might encounter this question in any interview, but you can definitely expect it if you’re applying for a high-stress role or working in a field where stress is common—such as healthcare, customer service, or management.
Variations of “How do you handle stress?”
Sometimes, employers won’t ask directly how you handle stress. Instead, they might present a hypothetical stressful scenario and ask what your reaction would be. “Often it's an odd question such as ‘What would you do if a tiger burst into the room right now?’” Kelly says.
There are other many variations, she says, some direct and some indirect, like the following:
- How do you handle multiple projects at once?
- How do you determine your workload when several people need your attention?
- What do you do when things just go wrong despite your best efforts?
- How do you handle stressful situations?
- How do you handle stress and pressure?
How to answer “How do you handle stress?”
When it comes to job interviews, preparation is always your best friend. “Having a prepared answer will boost your confidence in the interview and reduce the chance of exhibiting stress,” Kelly says. Here are some quick tips on how to do it:
1. Bring up a real-life example
Saying “I meditate” or “I take a minute to calm down” isn’t enough. Employers like it when candidates answer interview questions with real-life examples. With that in mind, reflect on past work-related situations where you successfully managed stress before your interview. “Think of a mildly stressful situation and how you reacted to find a remedy,” Kelly says.
2. Focus on successful stories
Whatever example you choose, make sure it has a positive outcome. You want to show the employer that you can succeed despite stressful challenges. If your example involves a time you failed, frame it positively by explaining what you learned from this experience and how you’ve adapted to prevent similar issues in the future.
3. Show you're used to stress
Since some jobs and industries are stressful by nature, you want to show the employer that you’re comfortable in these settings—not by glamorizing being a workaholic or sacrificing work-life balance, but by demonstrating that you’ve managed stressful roles before and succeeded in those situations.
“How do you handle stress?” sample answers
We asked Kelly what a good answer to the job interview question “how do you handle stress” might look like, and she provided the first example below. You’ll also find two additional sample answers to help you ace your interview.
Sample #1
I consciously try to plan my work and workload so it is challenging, yet it doesn't tip over into high stress. I communicate early and often about my work and the team's work so the team feels supported. When I sense stress, I pause and spend a moment thinking about its source, then I speak up. So often by speaking up you discover that others are feeling stressed too. Talking about it can diffuse a lot of stress, and just a small tweak to deliverables or deadlines can make a huge difference for the team.
Sample #2
As a manager, I understand that my response to stress affects my whole team. With this in mind, I stay calm and focus on the situation at hand, and what are the potential solutions, rather than on the stress itself. For example, if a client is unsatisfied with a campaign we develop, I read their notes and then review the briefing to figure out what went wrong in the process and what I can do to adjust it as promptly as possible.
I also like to openly communicate with the team, without pointing fingers, and ask for suggestions. I believe this proactive and collaborative approach is more productive and less stressful for all involved.
Sample #3
I stay motivated by thinking about the end result. I’ve found that even in the midst of a stressful situation, keeping my mind focused on my professional goals helps me take a step back, stay positive, figure out a solution, and then act. As an account manager, I use this mindset to quickly resolve issues both within the team and externally.
Bonus tip: What not to say
“Interviews are never the time to share your deepest regrets, incidents, or perceived personal failures,” Kelly says. Definitely don't say that you reacted badly by screaming at everyone, losing focus, or completely panicking. Employers want to see that you can manage your emotions and stay composed. Anything that suggests otherwise could hurt your chances of getting hired.