OPSM Pty Limited Mock Interview
Practice 32 OPSM interview questions covering customer care, optical knowledge, and retail skills.
Question 32 of 32
How do you handle situations that could cause you to be late or miss work?
How to Answer
Example Answer
Example Answer 2
Community Answers
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
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.
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I stay calm and composed when issues arise. My dad got rear ended one time when driving me to school. I texted my friend to see if she could tell my teacher what happened. I explained the situation to my teacher when I got to class. If this happened on my way to work, I would call ahead of time to ensure someone could cover my shift."
Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.
"I hope never to be late! When I started working at a restaurant at sixteen years old, we were taught the adage of 'if you're on time, you're late,' so I've worked to implement that into my life. I always try to arrive 15 minutes early, but there are unforeseen circumstances that can arise. I handle surprises using common sense and keeping courtesy to others top of mind."
Interview Coach
Jaymie
A real coach, not AI. I read every answer myself and write back with personalized feedback.
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Anonymous Answer
I don't ever want to be late for work, but if I am for some reason, I tell my supervisor and try to explain. For example, last month, my husband was driving me to work when we had an accident. I immediately called my manager and told him the whole story and that I would be late. He understood.
Rachelle's Feedback
This is a good example - it's clear that you handled the situation well. I have rephrased your answer slightly to show how to keep the response more personalized.
"You can rely on me to get to work on time. If a situation arose, causing me to be late or miss work, I would immediately get in touch with my supervisor. For example, last month, my husband was driving me to work, and we had a car accident. I immediately called my manager and told them the whole story, explaining that I would be late. They understood, and I....(what was the resolution? Did you arrive later that day, or did you take the day off and find a replacement?)."
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