How to Answer: In a retail environment, staff turnover is often high. How would you handle it if your coworker did not show up for their shift?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a David Jones job interview.
17. In a retail environment, staff turnover is often high. How would you handle it if your coworker did not show up for their shift?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
The interviewer wants to understand your ability to handle unexpected situations and see how you would react under pressure. It's essential to remain calm and professional in these types of situations and to have a plan in place for how to handle the workload if a coworker is unable to come in for their shift. You can discuss strategies like reorganizing tasks, asking for help from other colleagues, or communicating with management to find a solution. Ultimately, the interviewer wants to see that you are reliable and able to adapt to changing circumstances in the workplace. Assure the interviewer that you are a team player and are happy to step in if a shift needs to be covered at the last minute or pull extra weight if you are short-staffed.
Written by Krista Wenz on August 5th, 2023
1st Answer Example
"I know my coworkers and managers rely on every team member to show up for their shifts on time and prepared to work. If one person doesn't show up for their shift, everyone else must work harder! I have had that happen often, and I am always willing to work harder to pick up the slack. Also, if my manager needed me to come in at the last minute to cover a shift for someone who didn't show up, I would be happy to fill in. I want my coworkers and managers to see me as a willing and excited team player."
Written by Krista Wenz on August 5th, 2023
2nd Answer Example
"I'm in a position right now where I have plenty of free time, and my schedule is very flexible. As long as I'm available, I'm always happy to cover a coworker's shift if they're unable to make it. If my coworker didn't show up and we were on the schedule together, I would reorganize my shift to include completing tasks my coworker was responsible for. In addition, I've also volunteered to stay late to help cover shifts that coworkers didn't show up for, and I'd almost always be able to do that at David Jones."
Written by Krista Wenz on August 5th, 2023