Tell us about a time you had to balance multiple priorities.
"That depends on the priorities at hand. Flexibility is crucial to success. The goal is to prioritize based on the greater demand for quality versus quantity. Sometimes something's got to give. It's all about striking a balance and consistently hitting the bullseye as often as possible."
Multitasking is challenging for most people. How you track your progress and pick up where you left off holds value. Prioritizing tasks based on the big picture instead of short-term goals is a skill. Being singularly focused is also a strength, so long as you can shift gears and exhibit flexibility when the need arises. Talk about the tools and resources you used to plan your work and stay organized.
Try to make your responses as structured and concise as possible. Avoid rambling or delivering roundabout answers. That is why the STAR method is recommended when structuring your answers. Address each answer by first offering the SITUATION involved with your example. Then move into the TASK this situation required. Then share the ACTION you took and the RESULT of your actions. This method will add structure to your answers.
In any interview, you want to try to incorporate their language, keywords and phrases, and the core values and principles of their culture into your own. Here are a variety of statements from their business principles that speak about evaluating and balancing priorities. "Be rigorous and detailed, with continuous follow-up. Enforce a good decision-making process and eliminate 'waste of time' meetings. Conduct regular, well-organized and thorough business reviews of functions and controls. Guard the firm's resources; spend the firm's money as if it were your own."
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
Right now is an excellent example. I have many papers, a thesis, and reading to complete, but I also am applying for jobs. Both take dedicated time and effort. This isn't even to mention daily cleaning, cooking, and exercising. Life is all about balance.
Marcie's Feedback
Good example! To strengthen your answer, talk more about how you have managed to balance all of these competing priorities. Do you take time every day to identify which are most urgent and/or important? Do you delegate? Do you keep lists so you can prioritize and stay organized?
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