QUESTION 31 OF 31

How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?

Proper planning will get you far, but sometimes life happens, and you'll need a plan B. Think about some of the variables in your life that could affect your ability to arrive on time for work. Sick children, traffic, car breakdowns... the list goes on. It may not be possible for everything to work out so smoothly, getting your shift covered or still making it to work on time. Your interviewer is looking to see that you are proactive and that you can handle the stress of unexpected situations that can arise.

"I'm really cool-headed and even-tempered, so I don't panic when something unexpected happens on the way to work. I had a flat tire a few months ago when I was driving into the store where I work now -- nothing could have prevented it, and no one was at fault. My first call was to my manager, explaining the situation but that I would be there as quickly as I could, and then I got to work changing the tire. I made it to the store about fifteen minutes late, made my apologies, and everything was fine."

Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.

Anonymous Answer

I always leave for work with the intention of being at least 20 minutes early, my car is well maintained so in the unlikely event of me being made late it would be due to circumstances outside of my control.

Marcie's Feedback

It's great that you always try to be early to work. The interviewer will appreciate that you are a punctual person. Discuss what you would do in this unlikely situation, however. Would you call your manager as early as possible to notify them of the issue? Would you contact a colleague and ask them to cover you until you can make it in? End your answer by indicating that you are responsible and reliable. Good job!

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How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?

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