Deadline Interview Question Number 2 – How Do You Handle Deadlines for Multiple Assignments

We recently discussed the most common question about handling deadlines – namely, whether or not you can handle them at all. To answer that question, you need to focus on past experiences to “prove,” in a way, that you know what you are doing and can handle the pressure of upcoming deadlines.

Companies that have a number of deadlines may follow up on that question with two additional questions. First, how do handle deadlines to multiple assignments at once, and second, how do you prioritize these deadlines. In this post, we will discuss the former.

How to Answer “Multiple Assignments”

If the employer asks you how you handle the pressure of multiple assignments, the trick is somewhat simple. Focus on organization. Show that you handle multiple assignments by ensuring everything is in order and organized. Focusing on the pressure is the wrong way to answer this question.

Bad Answer

“Whether it is one assignment or multiple projects, I handle the pressure well. I focus on completion of the project and put my best effort into finishing it on time.”

This answer doesn’t inspire confidence. It is simply a throwaway answer.

Good Answer

“The key to handling the pressure of multiple assignments is to update and keep track of each project independently, as well as prioritize my time in advance so that I know what, when, and how each aspect of the project is occurring, and update myself on its progress. The more I know about each project the better, because it will allow me to adjust accordingly and ensure that I meet each deadline successfully.”

Focusing on the organization of these projects is much better, because it shows the interviewer that you have a plan. It is far more likely to convince an interviewer that you truly can handle pressure.

Take Away Interview Tips

• Focus on how you organize.
• Try to show interviewers you have a plan.

Related posts:

1. Deadline Interview Question Number 3 – How Do You Prioritize Multiple Projects with the Same Deadline?
2. Deadline Interview Question Number 1: Tell Me How You Work Under the Pressure of Deadlines?
3. Uncommon Interview Question: When You Find Yourself Under a Tight Deadline, What Do You Do to Handle the Stress
4. Why Do Companies Ask Questions About Deadlines?
5. Interview Question: How Well Do You Handle Pressure?