How do you determine priorities when you have multiple tasks at hand?
How you answer this question will inform your interviewer of your experience level, and how coordinated your focus is with the rest of the team. Even in instances when you are working on a singular task that doesn't require the aid of the rest of the team, you'll always be expected to rise to the occasion to aid others on your team when the needs of the many out-way your need to finish your task.
"I will determine which project requires my attention by the number of hours we are behind and then the project size. I am comfortable delegating tasks when needed, but I am also aware that these times will require an additional commitment of hours from me. Never have I under delivered on a deadline."
"If, for example, I have more than one customer who needs me, I will page for assistance so that nobody is left waiting. It's essential to have team members that you can rely on to step in when you become too busy."
On their website, they break down the qualities they are looking for in their ideal candidates: "In essence, we look for individuals who: Make an effort to connect with others, collaborate and behave respectfully. Build brilliant relationships that help increase workflow. Are passionate about customer service, whether external or internal. Have sound commercial insight, application and judgement. Balance demands that often compete with each other. Have the ability to cut through complex issues and adjust plans as you go."
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
In this particular position, I believe that safety is always a priority so in a safety/first aid situation I would always put that above anything else. However, if there is no safety risk I will always put the customers' needs first and am always happy to ask a teammate for help or delegate depending on the task.
Marcie's Feedback
Awesome! It definitely makes sense to put safety and customers before other things. You might also talk about considering urgency (deadlines) and importance when you're prioritizing multiple tasks. Include an example of a time when you successfully navigated having a lot of tasks on your plate at once so the interviewer knows you're capable in this area. Excellent job!
