"I am available for full-time work, which is preferably 8-5 Monday to Friday. I am happy to be a team player and work some overtime, as required. Will these hours meet your expectations?"

"I am excellent with task and time management, allowing me to complete my assignments within a 40-hour workweek typically. If overtime is required at times, I am happy to accommodate. My only restriction is Wednesday nights as I have an evening course to attend for the next 12 weeks."

"I am willing to work overtime as needed; however, I would like to know if overtime work is an expectation. Could you share more with me detail in regards to the schedule and hours expectations for this role?"

"I wish to retain my current schedule as much as possible, which is Monday through Friday from 8:00-5:00. I understand that, with sales-based roles, there will be times when I need to put in more hours to close a deal or meet a quota. I intend to exceed my goals, and if putting in additional hours is what's needed, I'm 100% committed."

"I value a healthy balance between work and my personal life; however, I anticipate working over 40 hours per week at times, especially around the holidays. Could you share with me the expectations for this role?"

"As a teacher, I often work overtime. While the school day may be from 7:45 to 3:15, I take my laptop and marking home with me on nights and weekends. I am currently a soccer coach, so I am no stranger to long days and nights. I fully dedicate myself to my job and students."

"In a salaried role such as this, I expect to commit more than a typical 40-hour workweek. I will dedicate more time to the team as needed while preserving a healthy balance. Are there specific instances of overtime that I should be aware of?"

Avoid giving a closed-ended answer like, 'No, I cannot work more than 40 hours per week.' If it turns out the hiring company's schedule expectations won't work for you, think about what you CAN offer and see if you can come to a compromise. Also, avoid sounding like a workaholic. Responsible employers do not want to hear that you work 12 hours, seven days a week since they know this can be a quick route to burnout.

Before answering scheduling questions, it's essential to be clear on the interviewer's expectations. In many states, provinces, and regions, an employer cannot demand that an employee work more than 44 hours per week. Be sure to know your rights as an employee before answering questions about hours and scheduling commitments.

Also, be clear about what kind of commitment you can give your new employer. If the company needs you physically in your office by 7:30 am until 6:00 pm Monday to Friday, and your personal life doesn't allow for that, it's much better to discuss these factors in detail before committing to a schedule that won't work for you.

When you respond, express that you are a reliable and hard worker. Show the interviewer that you are capable of proper time management, ensuring you complete your tasks every week within an appropriate amount of time. You can then express that you have the flexibility for situations that require your time over and above the typical work week.

If you haven't had a chance to clarify the hiring company's scheduling needs, now would be the perfect time to ask. Consider asking what the scheduling expectations are for the position. If the employer expects you to work 12 hour days, it would be vital to know that before you respond with, 'Absolutely! No problem!' You want to be sure that you can meet their expectations.