{"id":13922,"date":"2021-11-29T11:22:57","date_gmt":"2021-11-29T11:22:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/?p=13922"},"modified":"2021-11-30T04:32:46","modified_gmt":"2021-11-30T04:32:46","slug":"how-do-you-manage-your-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/how-do-you-manage-your-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview Question: How Do You Manage Your Time?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>\u201cHow do you manage your time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a fairly easy behavioral question that could be asked at any type of job interview, though it\u2019s more common for roles in fast-paced environments, managerial roles, or work-from-home jobs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to tackle this time management question following our structured 3-step process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Variations of This Question<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>This question might be asked in a variety of ways, so here are versions of this question that really just mean the same thing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Can you describe how you prioritize tasks?<\/li><li>How do you balance all of your work tasks?<\/li><li>What is your approach to time management?<\/li><li>Why is it important to manage your time at work?<\/li><li>How do you organize your time?<\/li><li>Are you good at managing your time?<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When the interviewer asks this question, they\u2019re really looking for evidence you know how to prioritize important tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They want someone who knows when a task needs immediate attention and when it&#8217;s better to deal with it later. Being able to make the right judgment call makes you a far more efficient and productive employee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Interviewers are also looking for you to demonstrate that you can stick to a schedule and not get sidetracked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Distractions will arise whether you\u2019re in a busy service environment or in your quiet home office, so they want to be sure you can set (and stick to) deadlines and boundaries to get the job done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, by answering this question, you\u2019re showing the interviewer you have experience in setting expectations for your own time <em>and<\/em> meeting those expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Answer: \u201cHow Do You Manage Your Time?\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like most answers to job interview questions, this one follows a particular formula so you can gradually build your answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s go over the 3-step formula:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Describe Your Approach to Time Management<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start by talking about your approach to time management.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many different ways to approach this depending on your time management skills and experience, but the idea is to communicate a system that works for you <em>and<\/em> makes sense in the job you\u2019re applying for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In other words, if you\u2019re going to be working in a team environment, talk about an effective time management strategy for working in teams \u2014 like getting everyone comfortable using project management software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some other <a href=\"https:\/\/toggl.com\/blog\/12-time-management-strategies\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">time management strategies<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Delegating tasks for managing a team of people.<\/li><li>Having a written schedule for a variety of tasks that need doing.<\/li><li>Using time-management tools or apps for managing a lot of tasks.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Applying block scheduling when working in a structured environment.<\/li><li>Leaving a buffer of time in your day to handle unexpected interruptions.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To clarify, the right balance here is something that could realistically be applied in the job you\u2019re interviewing for, while also being something you\u2019ve used with success in the past, at least to some degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cI have an analog planner to keep track of meetings and deadlines. I update my planner at the end of every workday and move tasks around as needed. Each morning, I review it and commit to a mental plan for accomplishing my tasks while also leaving some extra time for necessary interruptions.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. Explain Why This Is Your Preferred Approach<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Next, talk about the benefits of using this approach to manage your time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going into detail about how this approach has worked for you shows the interviewer you have real-life experience implementing this method to manage your time, and you aren\u2019t just plucking it out of the air.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think back to a time you applied it with success, whether it was at work or in a personal setting. You don\u2019t have to be specific about where or when you used it, but you should be able to explain why it\u2019s so effective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What did it allow you to do that you otherwise wouldn\u2019t be able to?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some ideas to get your juices flowing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Delegating tasks to other people allowed you to get more done in a much shorter period of time.<\/li><li>Leaving extra time in your schedule allowed you to tackle smaller tasks that otherwise would fall by the wayside.<\/li><li>Using a time management application helped you remember tasks you would otherwise forget about.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cI\u2019ve found the act of physically writing down my tasks helps me to remember them and keep them in mind. If an urgent matter comes up while I\u2019m busy, spending a few minutes including it in the next day\u2019s schedule ensures it doesn\u2019t slip through the cracks.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. Explain How This Approach Will Benefit The Role<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Finally, explain how all this fits into the position you\u2019re applying for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The employer wants to know you\u2019ve considered the different types of distractions and challenges you\u2019ll encounter in your new role. This shows preparedness and critical thinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mention a time-management-related obstacle you might encounter in the position and discuss how your approach will help you overcome that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some obstacles might include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Annoyed or confused customers needing extra help<\/li><li>A coworker needing to tend to an urgent&nbsp; matter<\/li><li>More phone calls coming in than usual<\/li><li>If you\u2019re working from home, a package delivery or similar interruption<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cIn this role, since I would be managing client calls in addition to my regular work, having a written schedule would allow me to get right back to work without losing track of what I was doing. Also, by including non-urgent tasks each day, I would have the option of postponing something if needed.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Putting It All Together (Example Answers)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s look at some full sample answers that utilize the same 3-step formula outlined above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #1: Work-From-Home Job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cI use a block schedule system to manage my time. This means I accomplish tasks that require a lot of alertness in the morning when I\u2019m at my best, and I save more routine tasks for the afternoon when I have less energy.<\/p><p>I\u2019ve found that by scheduling my day this way, I am taking advantage of my natural rhythms and maximizing my productivity. Before I began this system, I often found myself losing focus in the afternoons. Now I purposely schedule harder tasks when I have the most energy.<\/p><p>In this position, using block scheduling will allow me to get just as much work done at home as I would in the office. I will also have more time available in the afternoon to handle any problems that came up earlier because routine tasks can often be grouped together on another day if necessary.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #2: Front Desk Job<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cI use a digital checklist system to ensure I get everything done that I need to do each day. Each week, I add the tasks that I need to accomplish and then I check them off as I complete them. I check each day to make sure I can finish the list before the end of the week.<\/p><p>I learned this method when I was a student, and it\u2019s served me well throughout my working life. I prefer to be able to pick and choose which tasks I complete depending on what else is going on that day, so this system works well for me.<\/p><p>Because the front desk position varies a lot depending on the clients who come in, having a checklist would allow me to find a task I can do within the time I have between scheduled meetings. I can also fit in unexpected interruptions and get right back to what I was working on before.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Example #3: Management Position<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p>\u201cMy time-management methods rely quite a bit on delegation. I first try to learn a lot about my team and what each person is good at, then I assign tasks to different employees depending on their strengths and weaknesses. I take on the tasks that are vital until I am sure someone else is fully capable of doing them.<\/p><p>In the past, I\u2019ve made the mistake of trying to do everything myself. This didn\u2019t make for good time management. I learned that delegation is the key to productivity when you\u2019re managing a team.<\/p><p>In this role, I plan on training my team and working with them with the end goal of delegation. This will reduce my mental clutter because I\u2019m confident the jobs are being done correctly by trustworthy people. That means I\u2019ll have more time for strategizing and planning for the company\u2019s growth.&#8221;<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How NOT to Answer<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&#8217;s finish off with some of the most common mistakes people make when asked &#8220;How do you manage your time?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Say Time Management Isn\u2019t Important<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Avoid giving the impression that you have no strategy in mind or that you\u2019ve never thought about it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This can give your interviewer the impression you\u2019re just flying by the seat of your pants. Doing so could allow important tasks to slip through the cracks. You might also become overwhelmed during busy or stressful times at work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, think about how managing your time will look in the role you\u2019re applying for. Consider which interruptions or issues are likely to come up, and think of a strategy that will help you get past them without losing your focus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Talk About Multitasking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While multitasking might have been a popular strategy in the past, it\u2019s best to stay away from mentioning it here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dana.org\/article\/multicosts-of-multitasking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Studies have shown<\/a> people who multitask aren\u2019t able to give their full focus to any of the jobs they\u2019re trying to do at the same time. Employers want to know you\u2019re able to dedicate your time and energy to one task at a time rather than giving a fraction of your attention to two (or more) different things.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead, talk about other methods for getting different tasks done throughout the day and dealing with interruptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Learn the different ways the question may be asked<\/li><li>Discuss the method or methods you use to manage time<\/li><li>Talk about why they work for you<\/li><li>Explain why they are good for the role you\u2019re applying for<\/li><li>Don\u2019t give the impression that time management isn\u2019t important<\/li><li>Leave multitasking out of the discussion<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cHow do you manage your time?\u201d This is a fairly easy behavioral question that could be asked at any type of job interview, though it\u2019s more common for roles in fast-paced environments, managerial roles, or work-from-home jobs. In this article, you\u2019ll learn how to tackle this time management question following our structured 3-step process. Variations of This Question This question might be asked in a variety of ways, so here are versions of this question that really just mean the same thing: Can you describe how you prioritize tasks? How do you balance all of your work tasks? What is\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[66,69],"tags":[],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13922"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13922"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13922\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13926,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13922\/revisions\/13926"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13922"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13922"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thehireups.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}