How to Answer: As we approach the opening of a new location, the team's workload increases significantly. What would you do to manage this?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a HR Specialist job interview.
30. As we approach the opening of a new location, the team's workload increases significantly. What would you do to manage this?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The ability to prioritize tasks is crucial during busy periods. The interviewer wants to know if you can identify time-sensitive and critical tasks and work well under pressure.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 23rd, 2022
How to Answer
Talk to the interviewer about the process you use to determine which tasks on your desk are the most important to focus on. If you are familiar with the 4 quadrant time management method, this is a great opportunity to utilize it.
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 23rd, 2022
Answer Example
"I utilize Stephen Covey's 4 Quadrants methodology to manage my workload. It is especially helpful during busy periods when the amount of work on my desk increases or feels overwhelming. I identify each of my tasks as either urgent or not urgent and important or not important. This then allows me to place each task into quadrants 1, 2, 3, or 4. I focus on quadrant 1, urgent and important, tasks first. In some cases, I will spend my entire day focused solely on quadrant 1 tasks. Once I've completed quadrant 1, I will move on to the items that are important but not urgent (quadrant 2) and those that are urgent but not important (quadrant 3). By managing my time well, in a non-busy period, the majority of my work falls into quadrant 2 (important but not urgent) as I stay on top of deadlines and complete work in a timely and even early fashion. If in a busy time, I am not able to complete everything that falls into quadrant 1, I will turn to my team or my manager to ask for additional resources or help. This ensures I can remain calm and efficient under pressure."
Written by Tiffany McPherson on May 23rd, 2022