How to Answer: Would you be available to work extra hours if needed?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Account Representative job interview.
2. Would you be available to work extra hours if needed?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
They are looking for flexibility. They are not asking if you'll work 20 hours overtime every week, but they do want to know that in a crunch you will be able to pitch in and help.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022
Focus Your Answer On
Your willingness to be available for extra hours in certain circumstances. Again, you're not offering up your whole life, so imagine a scenario that involves a one-time project where the deadline unexpectedly got moved up with no notice to the company. The supervisor asks if you could stay an hour late (or come in an hour early) three days this week to ensure the project can be completed.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022
Stay Away From
Saying that you have kids (or dogs or whatever it is) that you need to be home for at a specific time every day. That may be true. But don't say that. Let the interviewer know that if specific occasions arise a couple of times a year where you are asked to stay late, arrangements could be made. Again, they're not asking you to work a million extra hours, just maybe once in a while (if ever) during a particularly stressful time.
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022
Working extra hours Example
"Sure. I do have other commitments outside of work as we all do, but with a few hours' notice I can arrange to stay late/come in early/work on a weekend if necessary."
Written by Emily McMannes on March 17th, 2022