How to Answer: Tell me about a time when you were effective at managing multiple projects at once.
14. Tell me about a time when you were effective at managing multiple projects at once.
How to Answer
As a manager, you may be required to lead various projects and deadlines simultaneously. The interviewer wants to see evidence of your ability to juggle multiple projects while maintaining poise. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of doing so by discussing your approach to a heavy workload.
This question is phrased as, 'Tell me about a time when.' This means that the interviewer expects you to provide a story-based example of when you achieved success in this type of situation. You can form a reply using the STAR answer framework (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
Answer Example
"Last month, I was asked to open three new client projects on the same day. This volume is not typical for our company; however, our project volumes have increased tremendously since a recent marketing push. I started by building a custom workflow in 'Monday PM,' our team's workflow management software. Then, I assigned important tasks and sub-tasks to the best-matched team members. I ensured that deadlines were clear and then held a team meeting to review expectations. My strong organizational skills ensured that my team remained in control every step of the way. Just yesterday, we delivered on-time drafts to each client, and now we await feedback and edit requests."
Admin
"As an executive assistant, every project that the CEO has on his desk is, essentially, mine as well. Currently, I am handling his travel and stay arrangements for a two-week international conference and client tour. I am booking his meeting schedule while also making room on his calendar for special events. Tasks include purchasing event tickets and ensuring his wardrobe is suitable for the 14-day trip. I am managing my regular workload on top of all of this, of course. I have been an EA to this executive for eight years and over-deliver on expectations at every opportunity."
Manager
"Initially in my career, I struggled with proper task prioritization; however, I have improved greatly by researching proper workflow management techniques and customizing an approach that works best with my leadership style. Now, juggling multiple projects is my forte! I recently launched an organizational effectiveness survey for the department. At the same time, I introduced a new benefits plan for the US region and hired 13 new team members. The executive team has expressed appreciation for my ability to take on a large workload while maintaining my usual level of productivity and enthusiasm."
Marketing
"Right now, I have 4 client projects on the go, ranging from budgets of $50K-$200K. I rely heavily on my systems and apps such as Zoho and Salesforce to ensure these projects run smoothly. Luckily, I am a naturally organized individual, and I have an incredibly supportive team of creatives who are always on the ball."
Retail
"I thrive under pressure, both personally and professionally. Currently, I am in charge of managing sales performance, employee scheduling, goal setting, reviews, hiring and termination, merchandising, and forecasting. Last quarter, our head office asked me to begin assisting with buying decisions. To make sure that I continued to meet expectations, I began to delegate tasks such as merchandising. This experience has shown that I am highly capable of running multiple ongoing projects simultaneously."
Sales
"A couple of months ago, I found myself working on four RFPs at one time, which was a significant undertaking. I was also responsible for fifteen direct reports, sales forecasting duties, and customer service management. To help juggle the workload, I put in a temporary request to transition some of our customer services accounts to the customer success team. I leaned on our project management software heavily to make sure that my tasks were timeline correctly. I also worked overtime a few days a week until all RFPs were submitted. I like to remain busy at work so this time, although challenging, was not overly stressful. This situation also reminded me that I have a helpful and talented team to rely on when workloads soar."
Teacher
"This year, I have a much larger workload than usual after public school budget cuts resulted in the lay-off of my classroom assistant. Now, I block off time each evening to ensure that my students are not left waiting for their marks for more than three days. It is a heavy amount of responsibility; however, I don't mind working hard for my students and being an example of a strong work ethic."
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
"¢ T: It was my responsibility to ensure I had the energy to fulfill all commitments to the best of my ability.
"¢ A: I always used my free periods to complete all urgent degree work, treating education as a 9 - 5 job, this left me with enough time to rest in between school and the training.
"¢ R: By micro-managing my time through the Eisenhower box method, I was able to find balance, something I hold in high regard to this day."
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Anonymous Answer
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