How to Answer: What distracts you in the workplace?
4. What distracts you in the workplace?
How to Answer
Everyone finds distractions in the workplace, and the interviewer would like to know what yours may be. Avoid saying that you do not get distracted. As laser-focused as you may be, you are still human and will get distracted. Be honest with what distracts you in the workplace but also offer up a solution by discussing how you best avoid that particular distraction.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I think we are all distracted by our phones now and then and I am no exception to the rule. To overcome this distraction in the workplace, I keep my cell phone in my desk drawer on silent. Anyone who knows me knows to call my desk phone when they need me, or in case of an emergency."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Admin
"Because I sit at the front desk, I face many interruptions during my day. We have an open-office layout which also doesn't help much either. I will send signals to my team when I need to concentrate such as sending out an email to let the team know that I have a deadline to hit by a certain time. Luckily most of my office mates are respectful and consider those deadlines."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Manager
"My dog passed away earlier this year. I took one day off to sort things about, but I was still quite distracted for another day or two. My pup had been my best friend for quite some time. I made some small mistakes in some reporting, but my team knew my situation and were very understanding. I am not easily distracted, but that event was an exception."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Marketing
"Emails! Emails can be so distracting and time-consuming. For that reason, I have started to shut my computer screen off during times when I need to gather my creative mojo. It helps tremendously to block time specifically for emails. I am much more productive that way."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Retail
"I get distracted by clutter. I feel that a store should be tidy, and items should be easy to find. At times I have found myself so engrossed in merchandising that I do not get to my other tasks until later than I would like. Now, I set a particular time for myself, for instance, I will give myself 10 minutes to fix the front displays, and when that time is up, I need to move on."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Sales
"In my current position, we have meetings to have meetings, to have more meetings. I do often find these more distracting than I do helpful. I fully understand the need for meetings but perhaps not two or three per day. These often interrupt my flow and then I end up working a lot of overtime."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Teacher
"The classroom can get a bit noisy which is a distraction for myself, and other students who are trying to concentrate. To combat this, I have incorporated quiet time with prizes for students who are the quietest during the week. This downtime is great for the students and also helps me to get some marking in while the kids read."
Written by Rachelle Enns
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
I have also started mindful meditation over the past few months. I notice a big difference in my focus, patience, and being present."
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