Are you preparing for the interview and looking for a common question? Then, one of the questions you will be asked is “describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it” So, in this article, we will be discussing how you should answer this question.
Table of Contents
Why does the interviewer ask, “Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it”?
The interviewer wants to know how you deal with difficult situations. So, make sure that you answer the question to show off your problem-solving skills.
When you are asked this question in an interview, the interviewer wants to know two things:
- The first is what kind of challenges you have faced in your life.
- The second is how you coped with these challenges.
- Your answer should reflect both of these aspects.
How to answer the interview question “Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it”?
Some people think they should only talk about challenges at work because that is what the interviewer is interested in. However, this is not always the case. You can talk about a challenge that you faced outside of work.
The key to answering this question is to make sure that you describe the challenge in a way that shows how you coped with it. For example, if you are asked about a time when you faced a difficult customer, you should talk about how you remained calm and solved the problem.
When answering this question, make sure that you:
- Choose a challenge that is not too personal.
- Describe the steps you took to overcome the challenge.
- Focus on how you coped with the challenge and what you learned from it.
- Keep your answer positive.
Challenges you can mention if you have gone through them.
Overcoming shyness
I faced the challenge of overcoming my shyness when I had to speak in front of a large group. My biggest fear was feeling like a failure, but I knew that I would have accomplished something great if I could get through the speech without making any mistakes.
To overcome my shyness, I practiced relentlessly until my nerves felt calm, and then I focused on performing my best. When it came time for the speech, I took a deep breath and spoke. Even though it was difficult at first, eventually, the fear faded, and I could focus on my message.
Overcoming anxiety
I was diagnosed with anxiety a few years ago, and it has been a challenge to manage ever since. I constantly worry about things that might happen, and it can be hard to stay in the present moment.
To overcome my anxiety, I have started practicing mindfulness meditation. This has helped me focus on the present moment and accept what I cannot control. I have also started attending therapy, which has been very helpful in managing my anxiety.
Overcoming self-doubt
One of the biggest challenges I have faced is overcoming self-doubt. I am constantly second-guessing myself, and it cannot be easy to stay motivated.
To overcome my self-doubt, I have started practicing positive affirmations. Every day, I tell myself that I am capable and deserving of success. I have also started surrounding myself with people who believe in me and are supportive.
Overcoming procrastination
Procrastination has been a challenge for me ever since I can remember. I always put things off until the last minute, which can be very stressful.
I have started using a planner to organize my time to overcome my procrastination. I have also started setting smaller goals to feel more motivated to get started. Finally, I have started holding myself accountable by telling others about my goals and what I plan to do.
5 Example Answers to “Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it”?
Example 1
“I faced a big challenge when I moved to a new city for my job. I didn’t know anyone in the city, and I had to start from scratch. At first, it wasn’t easy to adjust, but I coped by joining some local clubs and community involvement. Through that, I made some friends and started to feel more at home.”
In this example, the candidate talks about when they had to face a big challenge. They talk about how they coped with the challenge by getting involved in their local community.
This is a great answer because it shows that the candidate is adaptable and resourceful.
Example 2
“I was once working on a project where I had to lead a team of five people. It was challenging because I am introverted by nature and don’t find it easy to communicate with others. However, I overcame this challenge by preparing myself before each meeting and ensuring that I communicated my ideas. As a result, the project was a success.”
In this example, the candidate talks about when they had to lead a team of people. They talk about how they overcame their introverted nature by preparing themselves before each meeting.
This is a great answer because it shows that the candidate is willing to step out of their comfort zone and take on new challenges.
Example 3
“I was working on a project where I had to meet a tight deadline. It was challenging because I had to work extra hours and weekends, but I managed to do it by setting a strict schedule and sticking to it. As a result, I was able to meet the deadline and deliver a successful project.”
In this example, the candidate talks about when they had to meet a tight deadline. They talk about overcoming this challenge by setting themselves a strict schedule.
This is a great answer because it shows that the candidate is disciplined and can work under pressure.
Example 4
“I was working on a project where I had to deliver a presentation. It was challenging because I get nervous when speaking in front of groups of people. However, I overcame this challenge by practicing my presentation several times and focusing on breathing. As a result, I was able to deliver the presentation without any problems.”
In this example, the candidate talks about when they had to deliver a presentation. They talk about how they overcame their nerves by practicing their presentation several times.
This is a great answer because it shows that the candidate is willing to prepare and work hard to overcome their challenges.
Example 5
“An example of a challenge I faced and overcame was when I had to switch schools in the middle of my junior year. This was a big change for me, and I was scared at first. I didn’t know anyone at my new school, and I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to make any friends.
I decided to join some clubs and participate in activities to overcome this challenge. This allowed me to meet new people and feel more comfortable at my new school. I also started keeping a journal, which helped me express my feelings and stay positive.”
This is a great answer because it shows that the candidate is adaptable and resourceful. They also demonstrate their ability to overcome challenges by participating in new activities and staying positive. This is a great example of how the candidate has faced and overcome a challenge in their life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when preparing for your interview, make sure that you have a great answer to the question “Describe a challenge you faced and how you overcame it.” This question is a great opportunity to show off your problem-solving skills and how you coped with difficult situations.
I hope this blog post was helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to comment below. I will try my best to answer as soon as possible. Thank you for reading! 🙂
P.S. If you’re looking for more help with preparing for your next interview, check out our list of “Common Interview Questions and How to Answer them with Examples” Good luck!