Tell us about a time when you had to work under tight deadlines.

Sample answer to the question

One time, I had to work under a tight deadline when I was assigned to cover a breaking news story. I had only a few hours to gather information, conduct interviews, and write the article. To meet the deadline, I immediately reached out to my contacts and scheduled interviews. I also researched the topic extensively to ensure accuracy. Despite the time pressure, I managed to complete the article on time and it was well-received by the editor. This experience taught me the importance of staying focused, prioritizing tasks, and working efficiently under pressure.

A more solid answer

I had an experience in which I had to work under really tight deadlines. I was assigned to cover the launch of a major product by a well-known company. The event was scheduled for the next morning, and my editor wanted an article ready to be published when the product was unveiled. I had less than 24 hours to research, gather information, and write the article. To meet the deadline, I immediately contacted the company's PR team to arrange an interview with their spokesperson. I also reached out to industry experts for their insights on the product. Throughout the night, I worked tirelessly to gather information, write the article, and ensure its accuracy. Despite the time pressure, I managed to complete the article on time and it was published just before the product launch. The article received positive feedback and generated a lot of traffic to our website. This experience taught me the importance of time management, adaptability, and staying focused under tight deadlines.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides a more detailed example of working under tight deadlines. It includes specific details about the project, actions taken, and the outcome of the work. However, it could still be improved by highlighting the candidate's ability to prioritize tasks and collaborate with team members.

An exceptional answer

Working under tight deadlines is not unfamiliar to me. In my previous position as a journalist, I often found myself in situations where breaking news required immediate coverage. One particular instance comes to mind when a major political scandal broke out late in the evening. I was the only reporter available at that time, and the story had to be covered by the next morning's edition. With limited time on my side, I quickly put together a plan. I contacted reliable sources, including politicians and experts, for their insights on the scandal. Simultaneously, I worked closely with our editors to ensure that the article adhered to journalistic ethics and provided a balanced perspective. Despite the time constraints, I managed to produce a comprehensive and well-researched article that highlighted the various angles of the scandal. The article received high praise from readers and contributed to increased engagement with our publication. This experience highlighted my ability to effectively manage time, collaborate with team members, and produce high-quality work under tight deadlines.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer goes above and beyond in providing a detailed and comprehensive example of working under tight deadlines. It emphasizes the candidate's ability to handle complex and high-pressure situations, collaborate with team members, and produce exceptional work. It showcases the candidate's adaptability, critical thinking, and strong writing skills.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on your past experiences where you had to work under tight deadlines. Be prepared to discuss the specific project or task, the actions you took, and the outcome of your work.
Highlight your ability to prioritize tasks and stay focused under pressure. Discuss any strategies or techniques you use to meet tight deadlines.
Emphasize your adaptability and willingness to work in fast-paced environments. Provide examples of how you quickly adapt to changing circumstances and still deliver high-quality work.
Demonstrate your ability to collaborate with team members. Discuss how you communicate effectively, delegate tasks, and work together to meet deadlines.

What interviewers are evaluating

Time management
Adaptability
Meeting deadlines