Besides vacation time, how many days did you miss work in the last year?

Since the interviewer said to exclude vacation days, only focus on days you called in sick. There is no need to describe days you worked a swap (trade) and had someone else cover your shift because you ended up paying that shift back. The interviewer mainly wants to hear that they can count on you to show up for your shifts if hired.

If you had several days that you called off work in the past year, you need to be honest. Avoid saying that you missed fewer days or that you never called in sick. The interviewer will call your references during the hiring process and ask your previous employer/supervisor the same question.

"I did not miss any days of work last year. I am a healthy individual and have not even had a cold in the last five years."

"I missed five days of work last year after having minor, outpatient surgery. I had spoken with my supervisor before the surgery, and he allowed me to use sick leave to recover."

"I missed three days of work last year and had to use sick leave. My daughter was in a vehicle accident and was in the hospital for those three days. I am a single dad and could not leave her there alone. I informed my sergeant of the situation, and he was very understanding."