How to Answer: How do you create a good work/life balance?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an American Express job interview.
1. How do you create a good work/life balance?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
How well you manage your time will offer insights into how effective you'll be at your job. Not managing your morning well can cause you to be late to work. Not managing your workflow or projects can cause missed deadlines, or taking your work home with you. If you feel overwhelmed at work because of poor time management, you might bring more stress home from work, not sleep well, not perform at your best at work the next day. All important things to weigh when determining if you are a good fit for the position.
Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022
How to Answer
American Express fosters a healthy work/life balance for its employees. Explain how you balance your life in your current or past roles. The more methodical you are about your work grants more room for your personal schedule. Share a few tools you used to stay organized manage your time. Share some of the fun events you make room for in your life to let the interviewer know you can let loose every once in a while.
Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022
Pro Tip
Validating the nature of the question can go a long way. Just exhibiting insight into the big picture nature of this question can be a great launch into your answer. Once you've set the proper framework for your answer, you no longer need to be super specific about all the tricks you use.
Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022
1st Answer Example
"I know how important it is to avoid burnout. For that reason, I create a solid work/life balance for myself by keeping my day organized and sticking to my schedule as much as possible. I will spend my weekends and evenings with my family and friends, doing things that I love, and that energize me such as going for a run, hiking in the mountains, or taking a bike ride."
Written by Elisabeth Walter
2nd Answer Example
"No matter what alarm clock you use, the snooze button is there. I never hit mine. I keep a jar of chocolate-covered espresso beans in a jar next to my bed. When my alarm goes off, I grab a few of those and pop them in my mouth. Then I'm ready. If I have a lot on my plate at work or at home, I evaluate every piece of the puzzle. I find a way to make it all sustainably fit into my week. Where there's a will there's a way. Just spending that bit of time at the forefront to strategize my week allows my outlook to feel more sustainable. I'm proactive, I guess. The reaction is rarely sustainable, in my humble opinion."
Written by Kevin Downey on February 9th, 2022
Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Marcie's Feedback
Anonymous Answer
Set clear priorities: Identify my most important goals and responsibilities, both at work and in my personal life to help me focus on what truly matters.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no to requests or invitations that may interfere with my priorities. It's important to set clear boundaries and communicate my needs to my colleagues, friends, and family.
Manage my time effectively: Use my time wisely and plan my schedule in advance. This helps me avoid last-minute stress and stay on track with my goals.
Take breaks: It's important to take breaks throughout the day, both at work and during personal time. This helps me recharge and avoid burnout.
Practice self-care: Take care of myself both physically and mentally. This can include exercise, healthy eating, getting enough sleep, and engaging in hobbies or activities that I enjoy.
Overall, achieving a healthy work-life balance requires a combination of prioritization, boundaries, effective time management, and self-care."
Marcie's Feedback