Tell me about a time when you had to work under pressure to complete a task.

Sample answer to the question

One time when I had to work under pressure to complete a task was during my previous summer job as a deckhand on a yacht. We were hosting a high-profile event with important guests on board, and there was a sudden issue with the yacht's navigational equipment. The captain turned to me for help, knowing that I had some basic knowledge of navigation. With the pressure on, I quickly gathered my thoughts and started troubleshooting the problem. I reached out to the manufacturer's support team for guidance and worked swiftly to fix the issue. Despite the tight timeline, I remained calm and focused, ensuring that the equipment was up and running before the event started. The successful resolution of the problem under pressure not only impressed the captain but also boosted my confidence in handling challenging situations.

A more solid answer

I can share an experience that highlights my ability to work under pressure to complete a task. In my previous role as a deckhand on a luxury yacht, we encountered a sudden storm while navigating through rough waters. The strong winds caused a rigging failure, putting the safety of the crew and guests at risk. The captain and chief officer immediately assigned me the task of assessing the damage and fixing it as quickly as possible. With my knowledge of maritime equipment and rigging techniques, I took charge of the situation. Despite the urgency, I remained calm and organized, overseeing the entire repair process and delegating tasks to the deckhands. We managed to replace the broken rigging and ensured the yacht's stability within a short timeframe. Being able to successfully handle such a high-pressure situation demonstrated my problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of navigation and maritime terminology.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed and specific example of the candidate working under pressure. It showcases their problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, and knowledge of navigation and maritime terminology. The answer aligns with the required skills mentioned in the job description, demonstrating the candidate's suitability for the role. The answer could be further improved with more emphasis on the candidate's leadership skills and collaboration with the team.

An exceptional answer

Let me share an exceptional experience that exemplifies my ability to work under intense pressure. As a deckhand on a cargo ship, we encountered a major engine failure in the middle of a voyage. The ship's main engine suddenly shut down, leaving us stranded in open waters. This was a critical situation as it risked both the safety of the crew and the timely delivery of cargo. With the captain's guidance, I was assigned the task of coordinating the engine repairs alongside the ship's engineers. The pressure was immense, as any delay could result in financial losses and potential danger. I immediately gathered the engineering team, assigned specific roles, and created a detailed repair plan. Throughout the process, I consulted with the chief engineer, ensuring we followed strict safety protocols. Despite the challenging circumstances, we worked tirelessly, day and night, to restore the engine's functionality. After long hours of collaboration and problem-solving, we successfully repaired the engine and continued our journey. This experience showcased my ability to handle intense pressure, work collaboratively with a team, and apply my technical knowledge effectively.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond, providing a highly detailed and specific example of the candidate working under extreme pressure. It not only showcases their problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure but also highlights their strong communication and leadership skills in coordinating the repairs. The example aligns perfectly with the required skills mentioned in the job description, making the candidate an ideal fit for the role.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you faced high-pressure situations and successfully completed tasks.
Identify specific examples related to the maritime industry, such as navigation challenges or emergency response.
Highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.
Practice explaining your experiences concisely and clearly, emphasizing the outcomes and lessons learned.
Research common challenges and emergencies faced in deck operations, and prepare to discuss how you would handle them.

What interviewers are evaluating

Ability to work under pressure
Problem-solving skills
Basic knowledge of navigation and maritime terminology