How to Answer: How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Office Depot job interview.
2. How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?
How to Answer
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.
Written by Jordan Henry on August 20th, 2018
1st Answer Example
"I always give myself an extra time-buffer when I leave for work in case something catches me by surprise. That way, I'm not stressed out if something happens because I've already prepared for it in advance. The extra time I build into getting to work will give me time to contact my manager if I get delayed -- and if nothing else, it never hurts to arrive to work early!"
Written by Jordan Henry on August 20th, 2018
2nd Answer Example
"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 going into the store where I currently work, and I immediately called my manager and let her know I was on my way but had been delayed. I changed the tire and ended up making it to work only about fifteen minutes late for my shift."
Written by Jordan Henry