Answer this question with examples of what you believe are relevant tasks. Though you may be able to bring in past experience to help you formulate a response, this question can be answered without the use of an anecdote.

If you are not entirely sure what the responsibilities of this role entail, talk about general upkeep tasks, like organizing your work area or filing old emails.

Avoid providing the interviewer specific details about how you occupied your time in a past job that does not directly relate to the role you are interviewing for. They want to hear about what you will do in this specific job.

Also, avoid mentioning personal tasks. The interviewer does not want to hear that you will use any unsupervised time to check your personal messages or take breaks when you are meant to be working.

"When I don't have any pressing tasks, I like to organize my area and my computer. I check for software updates, organize my email inbox, or remove distracting clutter from my area. After I have knocked those tasks out, I check with my colleagues to see if they have anything I can assist with, but I like to use my downtime to prep myself for the next priority."