What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know
Interviewers typically ask this question to see if a candidate is used to working the sort of schedule they require of their personnel. Perhaps the job they offer is strictly “nine to five.” However, if their operations are dependent upon filling changeable shifts or assigning overtime or weekend tasks, they may be seeking candidates with the flexibility to accommodate these needs.
How to Prepare for the Question
Consider the position you are applying for and how your current or past positions relate to it. Make a list of some of the key tasks you do in a typical work week. Review your list and check off the tasks that match the requirements of the position you’re seeking. Focus on those tasks when answering this question. Take a close look at the job description, and make a list of two or three of the qualities the employer seems to be looking for in an applicant. The company may stress organizational skills or someone who gets along well with others. Make sure that your answer to this question emphasizes how you demonstrate those key qualities regularly at your current job. The more you can connect your past experience with the job opening, the better you will be at answering the question.
Tips for Answering
You don’t want to recite your workday hour by hour. Focus on a few main tasks, and describe briefly how you go about them. If the new job requires someone who is extremely organized, emphasize tasks that demonstrate just how you stay organized. If you have a job where every day is very similar, provide a more detailed look at one day, and explain that most days follow a similar pattern.
Examples of the Best Answers
These samples can give you an idea of the kind of information you need to convey to a job interviewer. Why It Works: This response is effective because the candidate makes it clear, using details and an example, that he is a highly organized, proactive problem-solver. Why It Works: Here the candidate uses her description of a typical week to illustrate her solid experience in dealing with the sometimes-challenging tasks of a school social worker. It’s clear that she is able to multitask and switch gears quickly as required. Why It Works: This candidate’s response does far more than simply answer the question. In addition to outlining his tasks, he “adds value” to the presentation by mentioning his willingness to arrive early to work and to volunteer for extra responsibilities.
What Not to Say
It should be obvious that it’s not a good idea to talk about non-work related activities that you do on company time, but applicants have been known to chat about how they are often late to work or they like to take long lunch breaks to work out at the gym. It’s not the best strategy if one wants to land a second interview or the job.
Possible Follow-Up Questions
What can you contribute to this company? - Best Answers Why are you the best person for this job? - Best Answers Tell me about something that’s not on your resume. - Best Answers
PITCH YOUR STRENGTHS: Use your answer to “sell” the additional value you would offer the employer: personal characteristics such as flexibility, dedication, or the ability to multitask. TELL A STORY: Provide specific examples of how you’ve optimized your work schedule in the past in order to maximize your and / or your team’s productivity.
