Why it’s good to be a bad multitasker
I remember like it was yesterday… my first post-graduation job interview.
As I sat across from the hiring manager, my palms sweating and my posture nearly too upright, I fielded the usual interview questions:
Tell us about your experience.
What are your greatest strengths?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
And then, a seemingly simple one:
How are you at multitasking?
My answer was nearly automatic. “I’m a great multitasker,” I said, adding that I could easily juggle several tasks at once.
I answered truthfully because, at the time, I thought I excelled at switching from task to task. Plus, that seemed to be a desirable trait — a sign of efficiency and productivity.
Today, my answer would be different. I’m not a strong multi-tasker.
And I think that’s a good thing because now, I practice the opposite of multitasking: deep work. I pursue undistracted focus and try to complete one (and only one) task at a time.
When my company, JotForm, is recruiting new hires, we also look for candidates who excel in deep work. Here’s why.
