How to Answer: Can you multitask? Please provide examples of when you have had to multi-task at work.
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Office Administrator job interview.
15. Can you multitask? Please provide examples of when you have had to multi-task at work.
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
In asking this question, the Interviewer provides insight into the skills this job requires and ensures that you have the experiences necessary to be successful on the job.
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022
How to Answer
The Interviewer is looking for a yes or no answer AND examples to support your answer.
If your answer is yes, indicate how often you are accustomed to multi-tasking at work. Maybe it was a daily need in your last role, or maybe it is something you've done once or twice. You can provide more general examples of times you may have to multi-task if you have used this skill regularly at work. If you have only used this skill once or twice, it will be much more impactful to provide a specific example.
If you haven't used this skill at work, consider a time you used it at home or indicate that you can learn how to multitask.
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022
What to Avoid
Avoid giving a succinct "yes" or "no" to the Interviewer. You must answer all of the interviewer's questions fully. Failure to do so may cause the interviewer to believe you lack the skills that you have!
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022
If yes, Example
"Yes, I have had to multi-task in every job I have had! For example, I am typically responsible for answering incoming calls, handling clients in the office, and processing paperwork during the same work periods."
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022
If no, Example
"I haven't had to multi-task much at work, but I am good at handling deadlines for all of my classes in school. I think this experience will translate well to the job and help me learn to multi-task quickly!"
Written by Jenna Cohen on March 31st, 2022