How many days last year did you miss work, not counting holidays or vacation time?

The interviewer wants to hear that it is not common for you to miss work. Focus on the number of days you called in sick or called off work for another reason. Explain why, and tell the interviewer if you notified your superior of the reason you would be absent.

Be honest, and explain any work absences in the past year. If you missed work often last year, avoid saying that you missed fewer days than you did. The interviewer will call your previous employers for a reference, and they will discover that you were dishonest in your interview.

"I missed three days of work last year after having minor, outpatient surgery. I had a vasectomy and needed five days to recover. I scheduled the surgical procedure for a Friday to miss fewer days at work. Before scheduling the procedure, I spoke with my supervisor and was approved to miss those days."