What was a challenge at your last job and how did you handle it?

How to Use

Interviewer: What was a challenge at your last job and how did you handle it?

Mark: As you can see on my resume, my last job was assistant manager at a clothing store. Last year, the store manager broke her leg and she couldn't come to work for 2 weeks. So, for two weeks I had to take over all of the manager's duties, plus all of my regular work.

Interviewer: So, how did you handle the heavy workload?

Mark: It was a lot of work, but I just tried to focus on one task at a time. I had to work a lot of overtime that week, but I also tried to delegate as much work to other staff members as I could. To make a long story short, the store ran smoothly with very few problems until the manager returned to work.

Interviewer: Your manager must have been very grateful to you.

Mark: I think that she was. Also, I felt very proud. It was one of the biggest challenges that I have ever faced at work, and I was successful. This is a reason that I am applying for the manager position at your store. I know that I can handle the work and do a good job.

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