How to Answer: How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?
4. How do you determine priorities when you have multiple projects due?
How to Answer
The interviewer would like to know that you can determine which projects need your attention over others. When you feel torn between multiple projects or tasks, how do you decide which one needs your attention the most? Assure the interviewer that you can be diligent when it comes to assessing your priorities.
Answer Example
"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."
Admin
"When I have multiple priorities at a time, I will ask my boss to rank them based on most urgent. This method helps me to remain focused and then I know I am concentrating where she needs me to."
Manager
"Assuming that the projects have different stakeholders, I interview each to determine the value of increased productivity, morale or revenue, decreased costs, and the overall impact."
Marketing
"I determine priorities based on project value and receptiveness of my client. The most engaged clients get my attention and the fastest turnaround."
Retail
"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."
Sales
"If I have priorities that cannot be shifted around, I will work overtime as needed. I do have a sales assistant that I can lean on as well. He will often lay the groundwork for what I need so that it fast forwards the time for projected completion."
Teacher
"As a teacher, I know that the best balance is when I scatter my deadlines such as tests and marking, evenly throughout the week. If I happen to double up on project deadlines by accident, I will take work home or deliver parts at a time, ensuring whoever is waiting for final delivery, that it is on its way!"
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
organize and prioritize by task and timeline;
manage my time well and keep track of each project independently so I can track my progress."
Rachelle's Feedback