Do you prefer doing work on a routine day-to-day basis or do you prefer mixing up your routine?
"As a marketer, with primarily agency experience, I am accustomed to working in an unpredictable environment. I tend to prefer that pace because it's exciting and challenging. It makes every day different and fun. That's not to say that some time spent in predictability isn't welcome, though!"
"I like to have a bit of both. I have a general schedule that I follow in the morning including a team huddle, setting objectives for the day, following up with clients, and then setting new meetings with prospects. That said, the in-between of that framework is always pretty unpredictable. In sales, you never know what might happen. More often than not, there is some hassle throughout the day so that variety keeps me on my toes, engaged, and excited."
"I am comfortable either way, but I would probably grow bored if nothing ever changed. Having a few days of status quo now and then is good for my sanity though."
"I manage a team of twenty unique individuals which means that every day brings me a new challenge. I am a fantastic problem solver and would likely grow bored if days were mundane. Of course, some days without fires to put out, are welcome!"
"No day is the same when you are in the education industry. I wouldn't have it any other way! I prefer to switch up the day, offer my students time to move around, have fun, and learn through exploration."
"If my schedule changes, I can certainly adapt; however, I much prefer working on a set schedule. The customer type will change, but I do like to have my expectations laid out for me."
The interviewer would like to know your preference when it comes to a predictable versus an unpredictable work routine. Discuss with the interviewer if you are the individual who prefers to know what the method will be for the day, or if you thrive on the challenge and excitement of unpredictability. It's best to display a balance between the two, using the most current position in your answer.
"I prefer working in a more predictable environment because I can be more effective in my tasks. With that said, I can certainly work in an unpredictable environment from time to time. My current role is primarily predictable with a few surprises coming from head office a couple of times per week. These can include scheduling changes, new policies, or additional clients."
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Anonymous Answer
Performance is what I focus on. I can work in a predictable environment, but I also love challenges. I'm comfortable with either, whichever one is needed to meet the needs of my team and the organization. In my previous role at a start-up, tasks would vary from testing software to working with data, with requirements constantly changing.
Kevin's Feedback
Good start. Exhibiting flexibility is paramount. However, go deeper by showing you can excel in either enviornment.
I am very performance focussed. I can adapt to either a predictable working environment, but I also love challenges when they arise. I’m comfortable with either, but acknowledge that sustainability at work can sometimes be enhanced through varying one;s tasks. It also increases one’s flexibility. Being flexible is like a muscle. When it’s not used, it atrophies. So I recognize both have value. So, I’ll always rise to the occasion and answer the call of the needs of the team. In my previous role at a start-up, my tasks varied from testing software to working with data, with requirements constantly changing. So I learned to be adaptable. So I leave it up to my team leaders to decide where I’m most needed. I never complain, but on the rare occasions, should the personal need rise to lean one way or another, I’ll communicate a preference, but as I said, those instances are rare.
Anonymous Answer
Working in higher education you need to multitask a lot. So I would say depending on the day either or is appropriate. They are days with a lot of detail and precision so the day-to-day routine is welcomed. But yet enjoy the challenge of mixing up the routine.
Marcie's Feedback
So it sounds like you are a fan of both! Which is great :) Being able to handle both routine tasks and unexpected ones is a good quality to have and something that the interviewer will be pleased to learn about you.
Anonymous Answer
I multitask a lot. So I would say depending on the day either or is appropriate. They are days with a lot of detail and precision so the day-to-day routine is welcomed. But yet enjoy the challenge of mixing up the routine.
Marcie's Feedback
Nice! The interviewer will undoubtedly appreciate your flexibility in this area. If this role calls for either more routine work or lots of change, you might consider tailoring your answer appropriately. In other words, you might say that you like both types of work but prefer the one that best fits the role. Great job!
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