Q: HOW DO YOU ORGANISE YOUR WORKING DAY?
So, you’re midway through your interview, you’re feeling good, your skills match the role – then all of a sudden you get asked this.
You may be wondering what this even has to do with how capable you are, but I’m here to break it to you that it has a lot to do with it.
Theoretically knowing a job is completely different than practically carrying out a job. This is why interviews are so vital. There are thousands of lawyers with the exact same experience, working in the exact same sector, and dealing with the exact same cases. But how do law firms decide on which candidate to take on?
Attitude and passion
How they fit into the culture
Determination
How they organise their day to achieve goals
Employers are looking to see how you would break down your role and projects into smaller and achievable tasks. This shows your true ability to do the job well because you know what to prioritise, how long things will take, and what goals you’re working towards.
So, here’s a few pointers to wow an employer with your organisation.
“I SET GOALS every day”
Make it known from the get-go that you’re a goal driven individual and therefore set up your day in a way that motivates yourself in the process.
This shows an employer that you’re able to set attainable goals and continuously work towards something which shows dedication and strategy.
“I CREATE A SCHEDULE TO KEEP MY DAY ON TRACK”
Most jobs are quite unpredictable so you can’t always guarantee you’ll write that email dead on 10:30.
But ensuring certain things are done at a certain time, shows discipline and prioritisation. If you’re a salesperson for instance, saying you set aside 2 hours a day for cold calling in order to bring on new clients, shows you know what’s important, when you’re most energised to make those calls, and how that level of consistency reaps results.
“I USE A CHECKLIST”
Checklists don’t just ensure you remember things, different techniques or online systems can help you figure out what to prioritise, what deadlines are set, how to break one task down into smaller tasks – and often show you how productive you’re being
Explaining how and why you use checklists, will show you to be a trustworthy person. Organisation and self-accountability is trustworthy and employers want to trust their employees.
“I ASK FOR DIRECTION ON WHAT TO FOCUS ON”
Taking initiative is huge in any role, especially one where you already have a lot of autonomy.
The points above display you’re someone who’s capable of creating a plan and structure that works for you in order to achieve and exceed your goals. But what about pushing that even further by getting your managers and directors involved?
Communication is something that employers really appreciate because it shows you want to strive towards goals that they already have in mind.
Explain how you like to ask for direction every so often to ensure the goals you’re working on align with the company’s.
- Written by Shannon Matthews
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