Have you ever put your professional work ahead of your personal life?
The interviewer wants to understand the balance between your professional and personal life. The goal of your response is to show the interviewer that you bring loyalty to your work and professional accountabilities while also maintaining a sense of harmony and avoiding burnout.
"Yes, I have. My career is very important to me, and I have worked hard to build a solid, successful trajectory. For example, I work late two to three days per week, responding to clients or reaching a deadline. On these days, I put my personal life aside for a short time to reach my work-related goals. That said, I avoid causing an imbalance between my professional work and personal life."
"I am new to my career and fully prepared to put my work ahead of my personal life for the next few years. I want to build a stellar career and be a reliable and dedicated employee. I will work late or take work home when needed. I will keep my device on silent during the day so that personal matters do not distract me at work. Most of all, I will remain organized in both my personal and professional life so that personal issues do not creep it my workday."
Avoid responding in a way that makes you seem like a workaholic. The workaholic mentality is an unhealthy practice that leads to burnout and high employee turnover. For that reason, being a workaholic is no longer a selling factor for mindful employers. Instead, show the interviewer that you work hard and are flexible with your time when needed.
Be prepared to define what professional/personal balance means to you. Some people find it very natural to put their professional goals ahead of their personal life. Others may view their professional career as the means to build their ideal personal life. When you respond, be true to yourself and answer in a way you can commit to, should you be hired.
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
Frequently as I am in the office for long hours and on weekends. However, I have managed to be off the phone in the evenings when I am home and on days off.
Rachelle's Feedback
Good! Your response shows that you strive to achieve balance while also being dedicated and committed to the needs of your company.
