How would you feel about working beyond your scheduled hours in the evenings or on the weekends?

"I do have some flexibility in my schedule, as long as I know more than a day in advance. May I ask how often the schedule requires overtime?"

Depending on the position you are applying for, there may be a high demand for less desirable shifts, expectations for putting in overtime or weekend hours, or expected on-call coverage when experiencing staff shortages. With this question, they are gauging your overall flexibility and your expectations for what the role entails.

Best to be honest. If you have other priorities or demands on your time that aren't conducive to working lots of overtime or covering other shifts, then it is worth clarifying this now. It is better for both parties to learn if the job isn't a good fit earlier rather than later.

"I don't have a lot of flexibility in my work schedule due to childcare constraints, so I would really be looking to work a set shift during the day. If there is a need to work evenings or weekends from time to time, I could find alternate arrangements if I had at least a week's notice of the schedule change, but I would prefer to maintain a day shift schedule."