Tell me about a time when you had to work on multiple tasks simultaneously. How did you prioritize?

Sample answer to the question

I had to work on multiple tasks simultaneously when I was working as an administrative assistant at a law firm. One day, I had to draft legal documents, schedule meetings for attorneys, answer phone calls, and organize files all at the same time. To prioritize my tasks, I assessed the urgency and importance of each task. I focused on completing tasks with approaching deadlines first, such as drafting urgent legal documents. For less time-sensitive tasks, like organizing files, I allocated specific time slots throughout the day to work on them. I also communicated with the attorneys to gain clarity on their priorities and ensure that I was aligning my work with their needs. By effectively managing my time and coordinating with the team, I was able to handle multiple tasks efficiently and meet all the necessary deadlines.

A more solid answer

During my time as an administrative assistant at a law firm, I regularly encountered situations where I had to juggle multiple tasks simultaneously. One particular instance stands out when I was responsible for drafting legal documents, scheduling meetings for attorneys, answering phone calls, and organizing files. To effectively prioritize, I implemented a systematic approach. Firstly, I assessed the importance and urgency of each task. I focused on tasks with imminent deadlines, such as drafting urgent legal documents, to ensure prompt delivery. For tasks that were less time-sensitive, like organizing files, I allocated specific time slots throughout the day to tackle them. Additionally, I proactively communicated with the attorneys to gain clarity on their priorities and ensure that I was aligning my work with their needs. By managing my time efficiently and coordinating with the team, I was able to handle multiple tasks with ease and meet all necessary deadlines.

Why this is a more solid answer:

The solid answer provides more detailed and specific information about the candidate's experience with handling multiple tasks simultaneously. It includes a clear and systematic approach to prioritization and demonstrates effective time management, organizational skills, and communication. However, it can still be improved by providing concrete examples of how the candidate successfully completed each task.

An exceptional answer

As an administrative assistant at a prestigious law firm, I consistently faced situations that demanded simultaneous handling of multiple tasks. There was a time when I had to draft urgent legal documents, schedule important meetings for attorneys, answer urgent phone calls, and organize files. To prioritize effectively, I followed a meticulous approach. Firstly, I assessed the importance, urgency, and potential impact of each task. This enabled me to identify which tasks needed immediate attention. For example, I prioritized drafting urgent legal documents as they required immediate action to meet strict court deadlines. To handle other tasks, I adopted a proactive time management strategy. I allocated specific time slots throughout the day to tackle less time-sensitive tasks like organizing files and scheduling meetings. I also ensured ongoing communication with the attorneys to gain clarity on their priorities and manage their expectations. For instance, I regularly checked in with the attorneys to confirm the urgency of phone calls, allowing me to prioritize and address high-priority calls promptly. By implementing this comprehensive approach, I was able to multi-task efficiently and meet all deadlines without compromising the quality of my work.

Why this is an exceptional answer:

The exceptional answer provides a highly detailed and comprehensive response that encompasses all the key evaluation areas. It demonstrates the candidate's ability to prioritize effectively by considering the importance, urgency, and potential impact of each task. The answer also showcases advanced time management, organizational skills, and proactive communication with the team. It goes above and beyond the solid answer by providing concrete examples and showcasing the candidate's ability to handle high-pressure situations while maintaining the quality of their work.

How to prepare for this question

Reflect on past experiences where you had to multitask and prioritize tasks. Identify specific instances and outcomes to showcase during the interview.
Familiarize yourself with the job responsibilities and requirements mentioned in the job description. Highlight how your experience aligns with the skills and abilities needed for the role.
Practice explaining your thought process and approach to prioritization. Be prepared to provide concrete examples that demonstrate effective time management, organizational skills, and communication.
Consider discussing any strategies or tools you have used in the past to effectively manage multiple tasks simultaneously, such as task management apps or time-blocking techniques.
Demonstrate your keen interest in the law and legal procedures by staying updated with current legal issues and developments. This will show your dedication to the field and your ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of the role.

What interviewers are evaluating

Time Management
Organizational Skills
Communication