Life happens which means there may be occasions where an employee is late or absent. How have you handled these situations in prior roles?

"I had a flat tire one morning on my way into work, causing me to be late for work. I felt terrible but called my direct supervisor right away to let him know the situation and updated him along the way as I changed the tire and then went back to my house to change my clothes before arriving to work as soon as possible. I made up the hour I was late by staying an hour late that day to finish some tasks."

"I have not been late to work, but I know that extenuating circumstances are always a possibility. I plan as best I can to account for any delays, but if I were to experience an emergency of some sort that would require me to call out or be late, I would communicate via a phone call to my direct manager."

Don't ever mention texting or messaging as an acceptable way to communicate tardiness or absence. You should always expect to speak on the phone to your direct supervisor when these things occur.