Stress in the workplace is unavoidable.
By definition, it’s that emotional strain and pressure that comes with demanding circumstances. We may feel pressure sometimes, but stress at work is the next level, and it’s not nice to go through.
The interviewer is just trying to ascertain your coping mechanisms when it comes to stress at work and how well you handle it. The employer may know that the job at times is very stressful, and so they want to make sure that you have coping mechanisms in place to get through stressful periods at work.
My suggestion is first to start talking about stress in the workplace, how it is unavoidable, why pressure can occur, why it’s not good to let stress get the better of us, and what our resolve should be.
Now this introductory comment doesn’t need to be long-winded and extensive. Instead, keep it brief and to the point.
After making your introductory comment, talk about the techniques and strategies you implement to cope with and manage stress as best you can.
But my biggest suggestion is not to come across that you are immune to stress. Sure, some of us cope better than others. But the person interviewing you may feel that pressure is tough to manage, and in asking you the question, they may subconsciously appreciate how you deal with stress.
And too, if you come across that stress is non-existent to you, they may not believe you, even if there is some truth.