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chikky
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« on: October 28, 2008, 06:30:20 pm » |
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I have been on several interviews recently and have been asked the question: "If you have 3 people who needed to have a task done right now, what would you do?" How do you answer that?
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msmarieh
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« Reply #1 on: October 28, 2008, 07:20:54 pm » |
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I first try to get a full understanding from each of them as to the true deadline of the job, I evaluate the priority of each request and which is most closely aligned with the mission of the company, I consider the requestors. When necessary I tell all three that I have these projects from each of them and ask them to establish the priority.
Depends on the types of projects assigned. Sometimes I can tell the priority on my own (i.e. if something is complete and mail this, it doesn't matter if it goes out now or the end of the day, as long as it makes it in that day's mail).
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gee4
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« Reply #2 on: October 28, 2008, 08:02:39 pm » |
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Marie I don't think there is anything better I can add. One thing is that no matter how urgent each job is, status in the company can take priority.
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msmarieh
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« Reply #3 on: October 29, 2008, 02:35:59 pm » |
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I would also clarify that I don't ask the people to tell ME the priority. I ask them to discuss it with each other and come to a consensus and then tell what that consensus is. I would generally do this by an email to all three and ask that they reply to all with their thoughts.
Marie
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gee4
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« Reply #4 on: October 29, 2008, 02:39:23 pm » |
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Chikky good advice here - throw it back to the powers that be and let them decide.
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Atlanta Z3
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« Reply #5 on: October 29, 2008, 04:12:19 pm » |
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Tossing back to the powers that be may not be the best answer to an interview situation. An interviewer needs to know you want to take initiative and make your own decisions on work flow. My answer is similiar to the first - get an understanding of what is involved in each project, time needed to complete and priority. Be willing to work overtime if necessary to complete multiple projects. Suggest to management an appropriate work plan and request approval.
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gee4
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« Reply #6 on: October 29, 2008, 04:26:44 pm » |
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But like me Atlantaz if someone is in a new role, each manager who has equal status, will need to identify what task takes priority.
A new member of staff cannot make that decision alone. Whilst learning in the job we also take direction which helps our decision making.
I don't know how many interviews I have attended where I have been asked this question. All you can do is say what they want to hear. Once in the job you can manage this as you want in much the same way that has been described. I didn't literally mean throw it back to the powers that be but rather give them their place and ask for direction.
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geminigirl
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« Reply #7 on: October 29, 2008, 04:47:45 pm » |
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When I've been asked questions about priority especially at interview, I've always said that if not giving a priority to a job is going to cost the company either money or reputation, that's the one that gets done first.
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chikky
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« Reply #8 on: October 29, 2008, 07:58:50 pm » |
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Thanks Gem! That is the answer! What contributes to the bottom line. Gee you are right. Being in a job and interviewing are quite differnt. Thanks all for you responses!!
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