"How do you prioritise your work?" answer template (A2, B1, B2)
How to use this template
Choose the level that fits your English and fill every blank with a true detail from your own work, in 3 parts: Rule, Example and Communicate. Plan your example on the STAR worksheet, tick the checklist, then say the answer out loud.
A2 template: simple English
Short sentences, one idea in each. Good if your English is basic or you feel nervous.
- Rule: First I do ________ (most important task). Then I do ________ (next task).
- Example: One day, I had ________ (too many tasks). I did ________ (what you did first) first.
- Communicate: I tell ________ (who) if a task will be late.
B1 template: linked sentences
Joins your ideas with because, and, then and so. Good for most interviews.
- Rule: My rule is simple: ________ (safety or urgent needs) first, then ________ (tasks with a deadline), then the rest.
- Example: For example, on a busy ________ (shift or day), I had to ________ (tasks), so I ________ (what you did first and why).
- Communicate: If something will be late, I tell ________ (manager or team) early.
B2 template: fuller answer
Adds a reason, a result and a little more detail. Use it if you can say it without reading.
- Rule: I prioritise by asking what is ________ (urgent or safety-critical), what has a deadline, and what can wait.
- Example: On one ________ (shift or day), I had ________ (competing tasks); I ________ (decision) because ________ (reason).
- Communicate: I keep ________ (who) informed throughout, so that ________ (benefit, for example no one is surprised).
STAR worksheet: plan your example
Your answer needs one true example. Plan it here in notes, not full sentences, then use it in the "Example" part of the template.
Situation
Where you were, and what was happening. One or two lines.
Task
What you had to do. What was your responsibility?
Action
What YOU did, step by step. Use I, not we.
Result
How it ended. Add a number, a thank-you or a change if you have one.
Checklist before you say it
Tick each point when it is true for your answer.
- Rule: Start with your rule: safety and urgent needs come first, then tasks with a deadline, then the rest.
- Example: Give one real shift where you had too much to do.
- Communicate: Say how you keep others informed: you tell your manager or the team early if something will be late.
- Avoided: Saying "I just do everything at once." It sounds busy, not organised.
- Out loud: I said the whole answer out loud, with only true details, in about one minute or less.
A finished answer to compare
This is one way a kitchen porter might answer. Compare it with your template: the same parts, with real details. Do not copy it.
Kitchen Porter answer
I start with whatever the chefs need next for service, usually pans and service plates. Then I keep the floor clear and safe, because a wet floor in a busy kitchen is a real risk. The deep cleaning waits until service is quieter. If I am falling behind, I tell the head chef so we can agree what matters most.
Learn more about this question
- How to answer "How do you prioritise your work?" — the short answer, the steps, mistakes and phrases
- Template: Describe a difficult situation you handled
- Template: How do you handle pressure?
- Template: Tell me about a time you worked in a team
- All answer templates
- Example answers for your job: Care Worker · Hospitality Staff · Kitchen Porter · Barista · Hotel Receptionist · Retail Assistant · Warehouse Operative · Delivery Driver · Customer Service Advisor
Questions people ask
Should I learn the template answer by heart?
No. Learn the order of the 3 parts (Rule, Example and Communicate) and your own details, then say it in your own words. A memorised answer can sound flat, and an interviewer may ask a follow-up question.
Which level should I use for "How do you prioritise your work?"?
Use the level you can say without reading. If you are not sure, start with A2, say it out loud twice, and move to B1 when it feels easy. A short, clear answer is better than a long one that is hard to follow.
How do I print this template?
Use the Print or save as PDF button near the top of the page, or your browser's print menu. Only the template is printed, without the menus and buttons.
Practise this answer aloud
Say your answer to "How do you prioritise your work?" out loud or type it, and see what an interviewer may notice and what to fix first. Free to start, no card needed.