How to Answer: How do you handle a larger than average workload?
21. How do you handle a larger than average workload?
How to Answer
The interviewer wants to know that you can handle the workload required of you in this position and that you will not become overwhelmed if/when workloads unexpectedly increase. When workloads increase, stress levels do too. How do you react?
Here are some suggestions on how to handle a large workload:
- List your tasks and prioritize them
- Think of which jobs add to the company's bottom line, and start there (Closest to the money!)
- Exhale. Relax for a minute and collect yourself
- Organize your tasks by which ones you can complete independently and which ones you need help with
- Take sufficient breaks, so you do not exhaust yourself
- Communicate your struggles with your leadership or team
Written by Christine Pasqueretta
Answer Example
"When I have a large workload on my plate, I do not stress over the tasks that are in front of me. Rather, I make a simple plan of which tasks are a high priority and which tasks are a lower priority. The higher priority tasks, I complete first. Through this system, I can focus on my tasks individually, rather than stress out by the multitude of tasks ahead of me."
Written by Christine Pasqueretta
Admin
"When I have a large workload on my plate, I do not stress over the tasks that are in front of me. Rather, I make a simple plan of which tasks are a high priority and which tasks are a low priority. The higher priority tasks, I complete first. Through this system, I can focus on my tasks individually, rather than stress out by the multitude of tasks ahead of me."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Manager
"I first take a step back and make a list of all the deliverable work that I have. Then, I prioritize the list by deadline and ease of completion. I always try to hit the easy tasks first and get them off my to-do list. Feeling like I am making progress keeps me motivated."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Marketing
"I always make lists and have a pretty good handle on what I have on my plate, but when the list starts to get long, I just make sure to work more hours if needed, or get strategic about double dipping the projects to be most effective. I try to balance my work and a home life well so that if the situation arises in which I need to spend more time at work, I feel I'm balanced and prepared to tackle the stressful, long hours."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Retail
"With enthusiasm! Having a large workload is part of being in retail. I prioritize the work and enlist additional resources where necessary."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Sales
"I learned in both college, but especially in my account management role, that I do best with a larger than usual workload. I do a better job time managing and just crank out the work. Obviously, I need a balance to this overload, so I don't burn out, but I enjoy the challenge of extra work in the same amount of time."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Teacher
"My workload is packed but consistent. The only time it gets hectic is if we've had a lot of assessments and I've fallen behind in grading. My work schedule leaves no room for error; I have a class starting at the same time the previous one ends. So, I am accustomed to having an incredibly full workload."
Written by Rachelle Enns on May 4th, 2019
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I remain calm.
I make a to-do list of everything that needs to be done.
I prioritize assignments.
I manage my time well.
I keep track of each project independently so I can see the progress."
Rachelle's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Rachelle's Feedback