Time management skills: definition + examples

Time management skills are the ability to use your time wisely and efficiently. Everyone has the same 24 hours in a day, but how you use that time can make all the difference. Good time management skills can help you get more done, feel less stressed, and have a healthier balance of free time.

Some time management skills examples include prioritising tasks and setting deadlines. We will cover some of the most common time management skills recruiters look for and how you can improve your own.

• What are time management skills?
• Examples of time management skills
• Jobs that require time management skills
• Why are time management skills important?
• How to improve time management skills
• How to include time management skills in a CV
• Time management interview questions and answers
• To sum up

What are time management skills?

Many people equate time management with being able to juggle multiple tasks at once or getting things done quickly. However, time management is about much more than that. At its core, time management is about being able to control how you use your time in order to achieve your goals. That means being able to prioritise tasks while staying organised and focused. It also means knowing when to say no and knowing how to delegate.

These are all soft skills that can be improved with practice. The great thing about soft skills is that they are also transferable skills. That means that if you have good time management skills, you can use them in any area of your life, including at work (in various industries), at home, or even in your personal life.

Examples of time management skills

Time management skills are important for anyone who wants to be productive and successful. Below are our top picks of the top 10 examples of time management skills:

Goal setting

When you have a goal in mind, it helps you to focus your efforts and stay on track. Goal setting also allows you to measure your progress and see how far you’ve come. A good way to set goals is to use the SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound) method.

Prioritising

This involves figuring out what tasks are most important and need to be done first. It can be helpful to make a list of all your tasks and then use a system (such as the ABC method) to prioritise them. By doing this, you can ensure that you always meet deadlines and don’t miss any important tasks.

Scheduling

Scheduling entails creating a schedule or timetable for yourself and then sticking to it as much as possible. Having a set schedule can help you better plan your time and avoid making last-minute decisions that can waste time.

Time blocking

Time blocking is similar to scheduling, but it involves breaking down your day into smaller blocks of time and then filling those blocks with specific activities. For example, you may block off an hour for lunch, then two hours for work, then an hour for exercise, etc. This is a great way to manage all of your tasks for the day, while still finding room for breaks.

Delegating

Delegating tasks to others can free up your time so that you can focus on other things. It’s important to delegate tasks to people who are capable of handling them and to provide clear instructions on what needs to be done.

Decision-making

Being able to quickly and efficiently make decisions, without second-guessing yourself, can be a real time-saver. Indecisiveness can lead to wasted time and can prevent you from taking action on tasks that need to be done.

Multitasking

Multitasking is the ability to juggle multiple tasks at the same time. This can be helpful when you need to get a lot of things done in a short period of time. However, it’s important to note that multitasking can also lead to mistakes and lower-quality work if you’re not careful.

Problem-solving

Often, problem-solving is about finding creative solutions to difficult situations. Being able to identify and solve problems quickly and effectively is a valuable skill to have, as it can help you to avoid or fix any issues that may arise. In addition, problem-solving can help you to save time and be more efficient in your work.

Strategic thinking

Strategic thinking is the ability to think ahead and plan for future events. This helps you to anticipate problems and find solutions before they happen. It’s a valuable time management skill, as it can help you to avoid potential obstacles and save time in the long run.

Record keeping

Record keeping involves keeping track of all your important information, such as deadlines, meetings, and project details. This helps you to stay organised and on top of everything that’s going on. It can also help you to save time by having all the information you need in one place.

These are all important time management skills that can help you to be more efficient and productive in your work. But the list doesn't stop there—there are many other time management techniques and strategies that you can use to improve your productivity, including:

• Organisation
• Setting deadlines
• Self-discipline
• Motivation
• Stress management
• Resourcefulness
• Creativity
• Flexibility
• Documentation
• Teamwork

Jobs that require time management skills

There are many jobs that require time management skills, including:

• Project manager: Project managers must ensure that all tasks are completed on schedule. To do so, they must be able to effectively delegate tasks, set deadlines, track progress and solve problems quickly as they occur.
• Sales executive: In the world of sales, professionals must be able to prioritise their time in order to meet their quotas. Sales executives must be able to plan their time wisely in order to make the most of every opportunity.
• Teacher: A teacher must be able to manage their time wisely in order to prepare lessons, grade papers, and meet with students. Juggling all of these tasks at once can be challenging, but it’s essential in order to be an effective teacher.
• Account manager: An account manager is responsible for managing the relationships between a company and its clients. This requires the ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a variety of clients while also meeting deadlines and managing their expectations.
• Accountant: An accountant must be able to keep track of a variety of financial information and deadlines. Time management skills are essential in this role, as any delays can have serious consequences.

Why are time management skills important?

There are many reasons why time management skills are important, both for students and workers. Time management skills for students can help them to be more successful in school by allowing them to get their work done on time and stay organised. This, in turn, can lead to better grades and a more positive attitude towards school. As a result, students with good time management skills are more likely to graduate with distinctions and go on to pursue successful careers.

For workers, time management skills can lead to greater efficiency and productivity in the workplace. Additionally, time management skills can also help to reduce stress levels, as they allow individuals to better manage their time and workload. This can lead to a better work-life balance and a reduction in absenteeism.

How to improve time management skills

Improving your time management skills is all about finding the right system and process that works for you. But there are some general tips that can help you establish how to manage your time effectively:

1. Set realistic goals: Sit down and take a good hard look at what you can reasonably accomplish in a set amount of time. Then, break those goals down into smaller, more manageable tasks.
2. Create a to-do list: Write down everything you need to do in a day, week, or month. Then, prioritise those tasks in order of importance.
3. Use a planner: A planner can help you keep track of your goals and deadlines. Make sure to update it regularly so that you always have the most up-to-date information.
4. Set aside some “me” time: In order to avoid burnout, it’s important to set aside some time for yourself every day. Whether it’s reading, taking a walk, or just taking a few minutes to relax, this “me” time is essential for maintaining your sanity.
5. Learn to say "no.": It’s okay to say no to things that you don’t have time for. Learning to say no will help you to focus on the things that are truly important to you and set healthy boundaries.
6. Use a timer: Set a timer for certain tasks so that you can stay on track. This will help to keep you focused and prevent you from getting sidetracked.
7. Schedule breaks: Don’t try to power through your work without taking any breaks. Breaks are essential for maintaining focus and avoiding burnout.
8. Eliminate distractions: Turn off your phone, close social media tabs and do whatever else you need to do to eliminate distractions. This will help you to focus on the task at hand and get it done more quickly.
9. Learn to cope with stress: Stress is inevitable, but there are ways to cope with it. Find healthy coping mechanisms that work for you, such as exercise, journaling or deep breathing exercises.
10. Start early: If possible, start working on your tasks early. This will help to prevent any last-minute rushing and stress.

How to include time management skills in a CV

Time management is a crucial skill for anyone who wants to be successful in the working world. But how can you show that you have what it takes to manage your time effectively on your CV? Here are a few examples:

• Use bullet points to list your time management skills in a separate section of your CV, under a heading such as "Skills" or "Key Skills."
• Include specific examples of times when you have used time management skills to achieve success at work. For instance, you might write: "Successfully managed a team of 12 workers during a busy period, resulting in increased productivity." or "Aptly handled a workload of 200 files per week while meeting all deadlines."
• If you have any relevant qualifications or certifications in time management, be sure to mention them in your CV. This will show employers that you have the necessary skills to excel in the role.

For more information on writing a CV that will stand out, take a look at our guide on how to write a CV.

Time management interview questions and answers

Interviewers often ask questions about time management to gauge a candidate's ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines. Here are three common time management interview questions, along with examples of answers that will impress your interviewer:

How do you prioritise your workload?

When I have a lot of tasks to complete, I start by making a list of everything that needs to be done. Then, I prioritise the tasks by importance and urgency. For example, if a project is due soon and it will have a big impact on the company, it will get my highest priority.

How do you handle working on multiple projects at the same time?

I have experience working on multiple projects simultaneously, and I've developed a few strategies for staying organised. First, I make sure to keep clear and concise records of each project's requirements and deadlines. That way, I can refer back to my notes if I ever get confused about what needs to be done next. Second, I set aside specific blocks of time for each project so that I can focus exclusively on each one. And finally, I touch base with my team regularly to make sure everyone is on track.

What do you do when you encounter a roadblock?

If I'm having trouble completing a task or meeting a deadline, the first thing I do is consult my team. They may be able to provide some helpful insights or suggestions. If that doesn't work, then I'll try tackling the problem from another angle. For example, if I'm having trouble finishing a report, I might try breaking it down into smaller sections and working on one section at a time.

To sum up

Time management skills are the ability to use time effectively and efficiently—which is an important career skill to have. Keep in mind that soft skills can be the key to success in any job and in your studies. By learning how to set goals, eliminate distractions and create useful lists, you can improve your time management skills. Don't forget to showcase all the skills you've developed when you get an interview!