I can't stand questions like this, I'd be interested in what people on here thought was the best and worst option, because I don't see it clearly (I'm applying for work):

Your supervisor, who normally controls the flow of work coming to you, is off sick for a few weeks with a virus. During this period of time, people are approaching you directly with work. You’re pretty much up to full capacity, and things are starting to slip, but the requests keep coming in. You are keen to make a good impression, but are also aware that your workload is becoming quite difficult to manage effectively. Do you:
1. Take on the extra work which looks the most challenging from a developmental perspective, and decline the other work, managing your diary as best you can.

2. Inform the people coming to you with work that you are working to full capacity and unfortunately are not able to assist them.
3. Work longer hours for a few weeks until your supervisor returns, taking on the extra work knowing that when you supervisor gets back they can help you.

4. Ask around your colleagues who might have extra capacity, so that when you are able to you can direct some of the extra work in their direction instead of taking it on yourself.

It's a tough call.
In my experience taking on the extra load got no more than a thank you, no bonus, no flowers or chocolates. So having proved the existence of Superman, I got nothing for it.
It depends on the quality of people you work with I imagine. My month of hell whilst the boss was unwell put me off.

I would say option 4 is the best from a management perspective.

Star off doing No. 1, because let's face it, most jobs have a small degree of slack in them.
Then you move onto a combination of No. 2 and 4.
No. 3 is a last resort.

As a department, I think you need to all come up with a strategy that'll stop the wheels falling off the wagon. Get all your ducks in a row, then run it up the flag pole and see who salutes.
Might need to hold the hands of some of the more wary, but in the absence of your grey beard, you might have to be the fireman until a white knight can turn up.

I agree with Prof.

However...

Thanks for the replies.

I have heard all but one of those IRL...

http://www.buzzwords4u.co.uk/

So, I passed this test, thanks for your help with that question.

Now I'm awaiting the results of a "verbal reasoning test" that i just did that was worded ambiguously on more than one occasion so it's a miracle if I got the "correct" answers, but I'm opening a beer to celebrate doing it anyway.

nervous.

No 4 is probably what they want to hear