HANDLE STRESS QUESTIONS with confidence
By Wg Cdr Sonika Tanwar (Veteran, Indian Air Force)
Introduction
In both the battlefield and the boardroom, one thing remains constant — pressure. As a veteran who has faced real-time threats, decision-making under fire, and high-stakes responsibilities, I can tell you with absolute certainty — stress is not your enemy; unpreparedness is. I’ll show you how military-style preparation helps you handle stress questions with confidence and precision.
In interviews or competitive exams, stress questions are designed to test not your knowledge, but your composure, clarity, and character. They want to see how you respond when the situation gets uncomfortable — just like military selection boards do.
Let me walk you through how military principles can help you master this art.
🪖 1. Train for Chaos, Not Comfort
We never train for perfect conditions in the Army — because war isn’t perfect.
Likewise, don’t expect smooth interviews. Expect the unexpected.
Practice Task:
▶️ Cold Mirror Drill (3 mins daily)
Face a mirror. Ask yourself one uncomfortable question (“Why did you fail?”) and answer with calm eye contact.
Trains your poise and body language under pressure.
🧠 2. Respond, Don’t React
Soldiers don’t react emotionally. We observe, assess, then act.
Stress questions are not personal — they test your self-control.
Practice Task:
▶️ Controlled Discomfort (1 small challenge daily)
Speak up in a group. Say “No” politely. Start a conversation with a stranger.
Builds real-time confidence under stress.
🎯 3. Discipline is Your Best Weapon
In crisis, you don’t rise to the occasion — you fall to your level of preparation.
So train your answers like drills.
Practice Task:
▶️ “What If” Journal (10 mins daily)
Write 2 tough interview questions. Craft calm, honest answers.
Example:
Q: “Your resume lacks depth.”
A: “Fair point. I focused more on practical skills than padding. I’d love to share one relevant project.”
Pressure Reveals, It Doesn’t Define
In the army, we learn that pressure doesn’t build you, it reveals the real you. So use these techniques to train that “real you” to be resilient, respectful, and resourceful — even when the world tries to shake you.
You are not in the interview to impress.
You are there to express with courage and clarity.
So next time a stress question comes your way, breathe like a soldier, speak like a leader, and smile like you’ve already won.
You don’t need to be perfect.
You need to be prepared.
Jai Hind
handle stress questions with confidence
Want to boost your child’s confidence in public speaking under pressure?
👉 From Mumbling to Mic Drop: How to Grow Public Speaking Confidence in Young Kids
Curious about how military school training develops this mindset from a young age?
👉 Why a Military School Might Be the Best Thing for Your Child
If you’re exploring how discipline builds resilience, you’ll enjoy this read:
👉 Discipline in Uniform, Dreams in Boots
SSB Interview Preparation: Official Indian Army Guide – For real military interview frameworks