How do you keep track of your day-to-day tasks and activities?
The interviewer wants evidence that you prioritize productivity and organization. The goal of your response is to describe how your time management and task prioritization skills align with the hiring company's expectations.
"I have always been a highly organized person, and I like to keep track of my tasks in a variety of ways. Once I have decided which tasks are most urgent, I divide them into micro-tasks into a project management application called Asana. As I complete each task, I gain the satisfaction of crossing them off the app, similar to a to-do list. I do not consider my day complete until all of my tasks are complete for that day."
"Traditionally, I am a paper and pen person, which means that I keep nearly everything I need to know and do in my notebook. To become more up-to-date, I have started to use a platform called Monday. It's a visual tool that helps manage my workflow. It's been a wonderful help so far, and I haven't missed a deadline or overlooked a task since I started using it!"
Avoid giving a response that alludes to you being a disorganized person. It might be tempting to make a self-deprecating statement like, 'Oh, if only I could stay on track every day!' Instead, show confidence in your focus and be ready to provide specific details of your methods for staying organized and productive.
This question is an excellent opportunity to discuss the tools you use to keep your day on track. Some of the most common tools used in the workplace include CRMs like Salesforce, Oracle, or HubSpot. You might also use Trello, Asana, or Basecamp project management tools. Perhaps you use an app like Evernote or pay for a service such as Monday. Maybe you take an old-school approach and keep notes and to-do lists in a notebook or ReMarkable device that you carry with you everywhere. Whatever your method, be ready to take the interviewer through your strategy for maximizing time and keeping yourself organized.
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
I have always been a highly organized individual. I like to keep track of my tasks in a variety of ways. Once I have decided which tasks are most urgent, I will break them down into small-tasks in a project management application called Trello. It allows me to structure my tasks in order of priority to be completed. I gain satisfaction in crossing off completed tasks like a to-do-list. I do not consider my day complete until I have crossed off all my assigned tasks for the day.
Rachelle's Feedback
Again, good use of the MQ framework. You make mention of Trello, which is very specific and exactly the details an interviewer would be looking for. Excellent job taking the interviewer through your day and your process.
Anonymous Answer
I start by every Sunday, planning out and preparing for the week ahead. I use a daily planner to write down everything I need to complete for that day and then use google calendar specifically for work-related meetings. Regarding my notes and deals, I use Salesforce to stay organized, and EOD looks over all my work and makes any needed updates or changes.
Rachelle's Feedback
It seems you are incredibly well organized and focused on your tasks at hand, as well as what is coming up. You offer up some nice details in your answer.
Anonymous Answer
I keep track by completing the CRM as I go through each meeting/call with a customer. I make any additional notes relevant to me in a handwritten form, using a notepad. At the end of my working day, I summarize and document any next steps/account plans.
Rachelle's Feedback
You sound very well organized and methodical in your work. Good answer!
Anonymous Answer
The best tool I have is my iPad. I use an app called Goodnotes, where I have my work notes and notes for all my different classes. In my agenda, I have all my tasks I need to complete at the top and then below, I have broken down day by day how much of each task I want to complete. This has helped me avoid burnout with a heavy workload by splitting up large assignments into smaller ones. This also forces me to begin tasks earlier and gives me more time to ask for help if I need it.
Stephanie's Feedback
Excellent response; you clearly show how you stay organized and which tools have assisted you with this.
Anonymous Answer
I am a big fan of a diary, notebook, excel spreadsheets, and CRM systems. I use it all to input my appointments, calls, ladder of adoption with my customers, and daily routine. I feel together these tools help structure the blueprint of my day in being successful.
Cindy's Feedback
Good! Approaching this answer by showing the tools and techniques you use will help the interviewer understand how you'd stay on track, regardless of the task. However, explain why and how these tools help. Perhaps give an example that shows how you apply these tools.
Anonymous Answer
I have found that the best way to be productive and make the most of my day is to have a schedule and make a To-Do list. I begin planning the night before. I follow up on any conversations and meetings of that day and prioritize and plan tasks for the next day. I have my iPad that I carry along with me throughout the day and I update my To-Do list throughout the day.
Stephanie's Feedback
It sounds like you've developed a great strategy for staying organized and prioritizing tasks If you have any other systems that you've found helpful (example: color-coding, scheduling apps, etc) you may wish to include that as well.
Anonymous Answer
Being a highly organized person, I would like to track my tasks, normally I arrange all my tasks in office 360 in Microsoft To-Do App, easy to sync and assign with my iPhone and Laptop. I never miss joining daily management meetings to review progress along with the team i.e. Quick Visual Mgmt.; Biggest challenge, trends, help required, and possible problem and solutions using PRIDE tool for solving the issues.
Kevin's Feedback
You explain what tool you use to track your tasks, which is a good start. Is this the only tool you use? Do you also use an online calendar? Go father. Delve into the daily management meetings you run/attend. Anything that elaborates on your thought processes, and your philosophical approach to work style you'll want to cover.
“Being a highly organized person, I normally I arrange all my tasks in office 360 in Microsoft To-Do App, which I found compatible with my iPhone and laptop. But I utilize every tool at my disposal. I have systems for everything. This helps me ensure my attention to detail is sharp. Regarding my general approach, of course it depends on the situation. Examining the work at hand, I’ll compile all the information I have to start. From there, I’ll determine what information I’m lacking, organize everything in a cohesive manner, creating flow and transitions based on the priorities at hand. An organized bullet-pointed list, in a way, sorted based on priority. Then, examining what time I have to manage, and what makes the most sense as far as preventing rework, and what work can be built off of as a foundation for the work at hand, I’ll create a stratgegy on how to approach the work, getting a better idea of realistic time frames.”
Anonymous Answer
I am an organized person and like always to utilize a diary, both in work and for personal time so I know exactly how my day/week/month is going to pan out, and ensure no mix-ups,. This is a mix of outlook and veeva CRM/salesforce at nestle and my iPhone calendar. I like to write lists on paper and prioritize tasks based on how time-sensitive they are and be business-critical, and ensure all appointments are up to date.
Marcie's Feedback
Excellent! You've done a great job including the specific tools and methods you use to stay organized. Mentioning that you prioritize tasks and projects is also a good call. Good job!
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