Depending on the facility, the candidate may be required to work outside of standard business hours. It is very common for anesthesiologist assistants to work both evenings and weekends, especially if they are employed by a hospital or other 24-hour care facility. The interviewer is asking this question to determine the candidate's availability, flexibility, and if they fit the scheduling needs of your organization. It is important for the candidate to answer this question openly and honestly and tell the interviewer why they can or cannot work alternative shifts, such as evenings and weekends. If the candidate is unavailable to work regular evenings and weekends, they can inform the interviewer that they can pick up the occasional evening or weekend shift, but should still be honest about their ability to do so.

"Unfortunately, I am not able to work evenings or weekends right now. I am available to work day shift and am very dependable in doing so as I always arrive on time and only call out when there is a true emergency. But, due to obligations with my family, I am unable to commit to regular evenings and weekends. If we are in a bind, and several people are scheduled to be out, I can cover an evening or weekend shift every once and a while, but I will need to know well in advance, so I can make arrangements for my children."