How to Answer: What is your availability?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Target job interview.
2. What is your availability?
Focus Your Answer On
With this question, they are gauging your overall flexibility and expectations for the role. Depending on the position you are applying for, there may be a higher demand for less desirable shifts, expectations for putting in overtime or weekend hours, or expected on-call coverage when experiencing staff shortages.
Employee turnover can be expensive, and the money an employer puts into recruiting, hiring, and training an employee is an investment. It is better for both an employee and an employer to learn whether a job isn't the right fit earlier rather than later. It's more professional and respectful to be honest and transparent upfront. If you have other priorities or demands on your time that aren't conducive to working lots of overtime or covering other shifts, then it is worth clarifying this now.
As they state on their website, "Work somewhere you love. A healthy, happy and valued team. Our team members are the heart of Target's business, so we invest in opportunities to grow in their careers, take care of themselves and their families, and make a difference for our guests and their communities."
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
What You Need to Know
While preparing for your recorded on-camera interview, keep in mind that your surroundings are a reflection of you as a professional. You will want their focus to be on you and not on your background. Find an organized, work-appropriate spot in your home that is free of distractions. Dress appropriately, and wear professional clothing appropriate to the role as you would in an in-person interview.
Some questions will take longer to answer than others, depending on the questions and the answers you choose to provide. In most cases, you'll be provided one opportunity to deliver your answers, so make it count and rehearse as much as possible before you start your interview. When the interview begins, you'll be given about 20-30 seconds to formulate your response to each question. Once it starts recording, you'll get approximately three minutes to record each answer. Don't fill obligated to fill the whole three minutes either. Only take as long as you need.
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022
Answer Example
"I would prefer to have two days off in a row. Split days off never allow me enough time to recharge. Otherwise, my availability is open. But I would prefer a regular schedule, if possible. I've worked rotating shifts, even a waterfall schedule, and I've found that is not very sustainable. Based on the research I've done on the company and the position, it was clear what the expectations were regarding the schedule. Can you tell me what to expect and what you're looking for in your ideal candidate?"
Written by Kevin Downey on September 12th, 2022