How would you describe your time management skills?
When interviewers ask questions about time management, they want to see that you spend your time wisely and avoid distractions. They want to hear that you can effectively manage a workload and can prioritize between competing assignments while being flexible when change occurs. The interviewers also want to know how you manage your time. You may like using software, a calendar app, or writing appointments and assignments in a notebook or day planner.
"I describe my time management skills as above average. I use a time management app, My Life Organized, which helps in my personal and professional life. This app allows me to target what I need to focus on to reach my objectives and automatically generates to-do lists with priority actions for immediate attention. If something else comes up in the workday that is a higher priority than what I am working on, I can input the task into my app, and it will automatically reprioritize my day. Since I started using this app, I feel like I have gained several extra hours in the day."
"My day typically consists of various tasks and responsibilities, so I must be well organised and manage my time well to execute those tasks. Each morning, I make a list of the things I need to get done and highlight my top priority. I also use my computer calendar to see when I may have some downtime to work on less important admin tasks or where I need to block off time to work on tasks distraction-free. While I use techniques like this to stay organised, I also realise in healthcare that priorities can quickly shift, and I need to adapt and pivot to meet the need at that moment. I communicate with my manager and colleagues frequently to make sure I understand what is expected of me or needed of me urgently, and then I plan out the rest of my day around those critical tasks."
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