Interview Question: How would you describe the pace at which you work?

Interview Question Pace at WorkIt’s important to be careful when answering this question. Getting things done quickly isn’t always an employer’s goal.

When you are asked this question, know that employers are more likely to hire those who work at a steady pace and focus on quality. On the other hand, depending on the work required, being too slow in getting the job done can potentially be a liability to the company.

Because of this, you must make sure that you can handle what the job requires before even applying. You don’t want to disappoint the employer once you’ve figured out that you don’t have what it takes to get the work done. If you have determined that you are a good fit, we have some tips for this interview question.

Know What to Say

Here are some tips and answer samples that will help you be ready for this question:

Tips

  • Discuss your ability to manage projects and how it enables you to get projects done on time, or ahead of schedule.
  • Use examples of past successes, describing how you have achieved goals, in order to help those making the hiring decision measure your accomplishments.
  • Mention that you strive to work at a steady pace with an emphasis on quality.

Potential Answers

  • “I usually work at a steady pace, but I focus on completing work in advance, ahead of the deadline as promised.”
  • “I think of myself as diligent about my job. This means I can get things done on time and get them right at the same time.”
  • “I always make it a point to have a plan in mind to avoid rushing a project at the end. However, this doesn’t mean that I can’t turn on the jets when needed.”
  • “In the past, I’ve been known for coming in ahead of deadlines without having to rush. Having a concrete plan really helps me avoid sweating at crunch time so that I can deliver positive results. Doing this also keeps me and other workers from burning ourselves out.”

Don’t forget to provide proof of your accomplishments to back your answers up. And don’t forget to express your intention to deliver great results within the time given to accomplish a task or project. This will help you stand out among the other candidates.

Read 22185 times Last modified on Thursday, 11 February 2016 19:56
Alan Carniol

Alan is the creator of Interview Success Formula, a training program that has helped more than 80,000 job seekers to ace their interviews and land the jobs they deserve. Interviewers love asking curveball questions to weed out job seekers. But the truth is, most of these questions are asking about a few key areas. Learn more about how to outsmart tough interviewers by watching this video.