How to Answer: Describe an instance when you did not have enough time to complete all assigned tasks. How did you prioritize?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Target job interview.
13. Describe an instance when you did not have enough time to complete all assigned tasks. How did you prioritize?
How to Answer
Target team-members will likely have various tasks throughout their shift, from cleaning and organizing to cart attending to guest services. The store may be especially busy some days, or unexpected tasks may come up that shift your focus and priorities. Let the interviewer know that you are organized and adaptable, that you generally complete every task you're assigned, and explain your game-plan when you aren't able to complete a set of tasks.
Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"One of my greatest gifts is an eye for efficiency and strategy: if I'm assigned six different tasks that I must complete by the end of a shift, I can quickly organize them in my head based on what the highest priority or goal is for the day. One of my biggest pet peeves is when I'm unable to finish what I start! If I'm getting near the end of my shift and know I may not be able to complete everything on my list, I first complete whatever the highest priority task is. Then, if other leftover tasks are equally important, I follow up with my manager well before my shift is over and let him or her know where I am in my tasks and ask if there's one task I should prioritize and finish before I leave for the day."
Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"One of the things I love most about working in the retail industry is the fast pace and varied responsibilities from day to day. I enjoy having a plan and timetable that will help me complete my tasks, and I love finding the most efficient way to complete a task. Sometimes, though, there just aren't enough hours in a shift to finish everything because the store gets busy or we have a time-consuming customer. In that case, I prioritize what I need to finish up before my next shift so I can set my fellow team-members up for success. I know that customer service is always the most important thing, so I focus on that first; then, I try to complete any tasks I began but couldn't complete, starting with the most complicated. I don't want the team-member who comes after me to have to sort out a mess!"
Written by Jordan Henry on July 6th, 2018