"Able to work under pressure" in a job spec.

[debbidoodah]

I was approached about a job on LinkedIn today. The recruiter sent me a "generic" spec for it, which listed "Able to work under pressure" as one of the criteria. I find this offputting. It's teamwork on a project, so the amount of pressure will depend on how realistic the timelines are and the company culture, but its worrying when employers put it in the spec upfront like that. Anyway, later I found the same job on the company website with a slightly different spec, not including that line, which seems odd. If I apply I will go direct rather than via the consultant, but I'm still feeling cautious.

If you've ever applied for a job with that line in the spec, how did it work out for you?

Most jobs have that line, don't they? I wouldn't pay it any mind. You'll be able to get a feel of pressure at the interview.

It's par for the course for any role in my industry (Financial Services). 'Able to work under pressure' is pretty mild to be honest.

Very, very standard wording and comes up in countless job descriptions.

It does give you a sense of what the culture is like, but it may still be worth a punt. You will get a better idea as your application progresses.

Most of my work has involved deadlines so it’s been a standard line and it’s worked out fine. What’s concerning you about it?

They want people who’ll get stuck in and work hard to get the job done. Not freak out about deadlines or juggling multiple pieces of work.

Is it a different type of job or industry to what you’re used to?

It’s such a common thing to say I’m surprised you’re surprised.

It’s a bog standard statement for a job spec. It’s up there with “must be able to work as part of a team and independently”.

It basically means they want someone who can knuckle down when there’s a deadline due and not crumble like a wet paper towel.

I think pretty much every role I've had has required this