As a new graduate, you’re bound to face a few interview classics, and one that comes up time and again is: “How do you prioritise tasks when everything has a deadline?” It can feel like a tricky one to tackle, but here we’ll break it down and help you craft a confident, standout answer.

Establish deadlines

When prioritising tasks, start by understanding what each task involves and when it’s due. Clear deadlines help you organise your workload from most to least important, while also reducing unnecessary stress. It’s useful to recognise the difference between hard deadlines (non-negotiable) and soft deadlines (more flexible), as this gives you room to plan more effectively. When several tasks fall within the same timeframe, knowing which deadlines truly matter most can make all the difference. If your workload starts to feel overwhelming, having an open conversation with your supervisor or team about redistributing tasks can help. Learning your limits early on allows you to deliver work on time and maintain healthy stress levels in a new role.

Assess the priority and difficulty of a task

It’s just as important to assess how complex and how important each task is. High-priority tasks should always take precedence over lower-priority work, even if the latter has a more flexible deadline. To make larger or more complex tasks feel manageable, break them down into smaller, actionable steps. This approach reduces overwhelm and helps ensure the task is completed accurately and on time. By tackling more time-intensive tasks early, you also create space to identify and use available resources, such as seeking guidance from a supervisor if the task involves an area you’re less familiar with. Trying to juggle multiple deadlines without the right support can quickly become all-consuming. Knowing when to ask for help is essential. Reaching out for guidance isn’t a weakness; it’s a smart strategy that helps you complete tasks efficiently and to a high standard. Collaboration not only reduces stress but also shows your willingness to learn from others and thrive in a team environment, both of which are highly valued in any workplace.

Managing stress

Stepping into the professional world as a graduate can sometimes feel unfamiliar at times. That’s why it’s important to remember you’re not expected to manage multiple tasks in a new environment on your own; support is always available. Managing stress plays a key role in long-term performance, and having open conversations with supervisors about the help and resources available is essential. Graduate programs are designed with support systems in place to help you navigate challenges and maintain a healthy balance. While prioritising tasks and understanding your capabilities matter, taking care of your wellbeing and practising self-care are just as important.

In summary

Juggling multiple tasks as a graduate requires effective prioritisation, a clear understanding of task complexity, and a willingness to seek support and collaborate with others. To work efficiently, graduates should begin by identifying the deadlines for each task and estimating how long each will take to complete. A simple task due sooner may only require a short amount of time, while a more complex task with a later deadline may need to be started earlier. In these situations, it is often beneficial to prioritise the more time-consuming task to ensure it is completed on schedule. Larger tasks can then be broken down into smaller, manageable steps, making them easier to balance alongside other responsibilities. Throughout the process, maintaining open communication with supervisors and team members is essential, as it ensures guidance, support, and resources are available when needed.