Due to budgeting, we do not have many back-up staff members. How many days were you absent from work last year?

"I think I missed ten days, counting vacation time. Of those, five were for my vacation. For three days, I was excused under a doctor's note. The other two absences were pre-approved family days."

Animal shelters do not have the luxury of employing excess people so, when you are absent - it is noticed. A part of being a diligent employee is to ensure that you are always on time and present when expected. It's great to even be 10 minutes early rather than just showing up right on the dot. Talk to the interviewer about your attendance and reliability.

"I had zero unexcused absences last year. In total, I took six vacation days out of my ten allotted days. I was sick just 2, and those were accompanied by a note from my doctor. Once I was late due to a terrible snow storm, and I always try to be 10 minutes early for my shift."