How do you remain focused during long or overnight shifts?

Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
What to Avoid
Entry Level Example
Answer Example

Depending on the Security Manager role and the company for which you are interviewing, you may face a variety of shifts and scheduling expectations. The interviewer wants to hear specific details of how you remain focused when working long night shifts or overtime hours.

There are many ways to stay focused despite a challenging work schedule. These can include healthy lifestyle choices and a consistent approach to self-care. Discuss the tools and methods you use to remain focused during long or overnight shifts. The more details you provide, the better the interviewer will receive your response.

Since this is a security job, you should avoid responding with something the interviewer may decide is unprofessional for the position of Security Manager. For example, avoid saying that you use stimulants to keep you awake or take naps while on the job.

"Cognitive studies say that human beings can only maintain vigilance every twenty minutes. So I take very short, one-minute breaks every twenty minutes to refresh myself. If I'm in charge of a fixed post, I make sure that I keep my blood flowing by stretching or doing other small discreet exercises. I also keep checklists of my most essential tasks, ensuring that my brain power is reserved for critical knowledge and primed for better reaction time, even during overnight or long shifts."

"I use exercise and fresh air to keep me going. As a Security Manager, I must remain alert, so activity is a healthy way to awaken my body and keep myself prepared to respond to a security issue when needed. I also prefer to work on my feet, rarely settling in and getting too comfortable at a desk. I have a stand-up desk for doing my daily documentation, which is a beneficial approach that I recently implemented. I also eat healthy so that I do not feel sluggish on the job. All of these details may seem small; however, these healthy habits have amounted to great lifestyle choices that allow me to maintain consistent energy levels."