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Interview Question Database

Skill Specific

Skill specific questions are asked to determine if you have the knowledge and skills to sufficiently perform the required job. When answering skill specific questions, demonstrate that you are capable and the best fit for the job.

Prioritization

QUESTION INTENT

Employers are looking to see if you are able to distinguish between work that is urgent and important. They will be determining how you would complete your work in a timely manner and communicate with teammates about handling changes in workload.

TIPS FOR RESPONDING TO PRIORITIZATION Q'S 
  • The skills you should emphasize are your organizational, time-management, and multi-tasking abilities
  • Describe how you plan your day, handle changing priorities, and balancing your work and personal life in a healthy way

You are working on a project for your supervisor which has a deadline at the end of the day. The lead manager sends you an email with a request to complete a task for them with another end-of-day deadline. What would you do?
What would you do if your supervisor was away for the day.

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An interviewer will be curious how you would handle a situation with competing priorities, your thought process and actions.

Answer Tips

Answer Tips

Ideally you would make your supervisor aware of the new request and ask for their guidance on which item to prioritize. If your supervisor is not available you may need to advise the manager of the 2 tasks to assist with prioritization. The manager may not be aware of the competing priority so may adjust the timelines, recruit additional resources or outline the priority item. There are times where you might need to step up and offer to take on more work to assist with timelines and priority items.

How do you typically start your day at school/work to effectively organize the day?

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Answer Tips

Tell me about a time when you had too many tasks to do. How did you determine which tasks to prioritize?

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How do you approach shifting priorities?

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If you are expected to report to several managers/supervisors, how would you prioritize your responsibilities?

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Have you ever missed a deadline? If yes, how did you handle the situation? If not, how did you ensure that you are not falling behind?

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Have you ever managed a lot of tasks or assignments within a short deadline? If yes, how did you manage it?

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You’ve have been off work for one week and find your email inbox swamped with new emails. How do you decide which emails to respond to first?

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Answer Tips

Answer Tips

  You could respond to the ones which were sent earlier. However, you could respond to the ones which seem important.

What do you do when you feel overwhelmed with work? Especially, when you are a student who is working part-time/full-time as well as being involved in volunteer work.

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Do you create “must-wins” for yourself at work?

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What do you prefer task prioritization or multitasking? Please elaborate.

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A workplace is commonly encountered with interruptions or distractions. How do you block yourself from such interruptions to focus on your work?

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Tell me how do you balance a healthy professional and personal life?

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