Interview Answer: Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it

I was recently asked a question by a reader that I thought might be helpful to all of you. This question is in context of a job interview. Sometimes even the best of us can get stumped by a question asked to us in an interview process.

This is why I recommend that you hold mock interviews. It is even a good idea to read over as many of the most common interview questions as you can in order to be better prepared (see 34 of the most common interview questions).

 Here is the question that the reader wanted help answering:

Great question. My answer would be:

“During times of heavy workload, I like to exhibit patience with a sense of urgency. I try not to let my customers see that my workload is heavy, yet I try to work at maximum efficiency.

Being well-organized and having a solid grasp on proper procedures helps this in a big way. An example of what I am talking about is like a duck on the water. Above the surface a duck appears smooth and calm. Under the surface, the duck is moving and working very rapidly.” 

Obviously, giving a specific example is up to each of us and our individual experiences. However, I believe that what the hiring manager most wants to know here is your ability to stay calm under pressure. Some people lack the mental toughness needed to work in a fast-paced environment.

I would also advise you BEFORE you go on the interview, get a feel of what the company culture is like. If it is a fast-paced environment and you want to work there, you need to clearly show that you are up for the challenge. If the environment is more laid back and easy-going, you need demonstrate that you are a good fit there are well.

Jonathan Milligan Jonathan has been blogging since 2009 and is still in awe that the Creator of the Universe desires to have a relationship with him. His passions include spending time with his kids, reading, March Madness, surprise get-a-way trips with his wife, and watching funny YouTube videos.