Describe a difficult task you completed at work - How to Answer

I had a really tough challenge at work recently. We were trying to create a new biodegradable material to replace single-use plastics - after months of grinding through trials, we finally nailed it

EXAMPLE SPEAKING PROMPT (CUE CARD)

Describe a difficult task that you completed at work

You should say:
  • What it was
  • Why it was difficult
  • How you tackled it
And explain how you felt after completing it.

A difficult work task often involves tight deadlines, complex problem-solving, or team conflicts, like managing a critical project with unexpected team member departures or handling numerous customer complaints, requiring strategic breakdown, research, asking for help, and focused action (using the STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result) to achieve success.

Common Difficult Tasks & Examples

  • Project Management

    Leading a major project with limited resources or when key staff leave mid-way, requiring rapid reallocation and problem-solving.

  • Conflict Resolution

    Mediating disputes between colleagues or handling extremely difficult customer complaints effectively, turning negative situations positive.

  • High-Stakes Deadlines

    Working under extreme time pressure to deliver complex reports or solve urgent technical issues, often involving long hours.

  • Complex Technical Challenges

    Tackling a research project or system integration that goes beyond typical knowledge, requiring significant data analysis and comprehensive writing.

  • Ethical Dilemmas

    Making tough decisions, like handling layoffs or navigating sensitive company policies.

How to Describe It (Using STAR Method)

  • Situation: Briefly set the scene (e.g., "Our department faced a sudden 30% budget cut mid-quarter...").
  • Task: Explain your specific goal (e.g., "...and I was tasked with delivering the same performance metrics with significantly fewer resources.").
  • Action: Detail what you did (e.g., "I immediately broke down the budget, researched cost-saving software, negotiated with vendors, and restructured workflows...").
  • Result: State the positive outcome (e.g., "...which allowed us to meet all targets, save 15% of the original budget, and improve team efficiency.").

By focusing on problem-solving, adaptation, and achieving a positive result, you can effectively showcase your skills even with challenging tasks,.

EXAMPLES
"A difficult task at work" means a tough job, duty, or challenge at work that needs a lot of effort, skill, or problem-solving to do.

Here are three examples from various jobs:

Engineering

Creating a complicated system design that performs well, sticks to the budget, and meets deadlines.

Healthcare

Doing a risky operation on a patient who already has health issues, needing careful teamwork and fast decisions when under pressure.

Finance

Looking closely at detailed financial data to find any mistakes or possible fraud in a big investment portfolio. This requires careful research, paying attention to small details, and working with legal experts.

Sample Response

I had a really tough challenge at work recently. We were trying to create a new biodegradable material to replace those single-use plastics in the lab. What made it so tricky was making sure this material was eco-friendly but still tough enough to handle all the chemicals and temperatures we throw at it in Biotech research.

Finding the right mix of materials was a bit like a balancing act – too much of one thing and it wouldn't break down properly, too little of another and it wouldn't last. Then, finding sustainable materials that didn't harm the planet added another layer of complexity.

I worked on this project with my team, going through a bunch of testing and retesting, and even getting advice from sustainability experts. It meant picking up new chemical analysis skills and constantly tweaking our approach based on what worked and what didn't. After months of grinding through trials, we finally nailed it and came up with a material that checked all the boxes.

Finishing this project felt amazing. It wasn't just a win for my career, but also felt like I was doing my bit for a greener future in Biotech. This experience has really amped up my passion for sustainable research and has me dreaming about studying more in Canada, where I can hopefully become even more involved in environmental preservation.



Follow-up question

Do people often feel proud of themselves when they complete a difficult task?

Yes, finishing a tough task really gives you a deep sense of pride. It's not just about ticking something off your list, but also about realizing how much you've grown and toughened up along the way. It's like giving yourself a pat on the back, saying, "I did that!" It gives you more confidence and makes you feel like you can take on even bigger challenges next time.


How would you answer this question from Part 2 of the IELTS Speaking Test?


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