How to Answer “Tell Me About a Challenge You Faced at Work” in an Irish Job Interview

A common behavioural interview question in Ireland is: “Tell me about a challenge you faced at work.”

Employers ask this to see how you respond under pressure, solve problems, and learn from experience.

Why Employers Ask This Question

• To understand your problem-solving process.
• To check how you behave in difficult situations.
• To see if you can stay professional under pressure.
• To assess whether you learn and grow from challenges.

How to Structure Your Answer

The best way is the STAR method:

• Situation: Describe the context briefly.
• Task: Explain your responsibility.
• Action: Show what you did.
• Result: Highlight the positive outcome.

Example Answers

Example 1:
In my previous role, our team faced a sudden staff shortage during a busy period. I reorganised the schedule, took on extra tasks myself, and coordinated with management to prioritise key projects. As a result, we met deadlines without losing clients.

Example 2:
A client once gave unclear requirements, which risked delaying delivery. I arranged a meeting to clarify expectations, created a checklist, and kept regular updates going. The project was delivered on time and the client was satisfied.

Example 3:
During my first job, I found it difficult to manage competing deadlines. I started using a structured planner, broke down tasks, and asked for feedback from my manager. Not only did I deliver on time, but I also built habits that improved my long-term time management.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a challenge that makes you look unreliable.
• Blaming others without showing your own actions.
• Being vague without clear steps.
• Forgetting to mention the result.

FAQs

Can I use an example from outside of work?
Yes, if you don’t have much job experience — but make sure it shows transferable skills like problem-solving or teamwork.

What if the challenge didn’t have a perfect outcome?
That’s fine — as long as you explain what you learned and how you’d do better next time.

Should the challenge always be huge?
Not necessarily — even small, everyday challenges can show resilience and initiative.

Recommended Resources

• See How Do You Handle Stress? for another pressure-focused question.
• Read Why Should We Hire You? to refine your self-pitch.
• Explore our Interview Tips Ireland Guide for more strategies.