How to Answer: If hired, would you be available to work weekends when necessary?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Electrical Inspector job interview.
4. If hired, would you be available to work weekends when necessary?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Some Electrical Inspectors can be expected to work weekends, depending on who you work for. If the schedule includes working weekends, the employer hopefully will have put that in the job announcement, and you will be aware of it before the interview. If you are not aware that you will need to work weekends, the interviewer is telling you that is a possibility. The interviewer wants to see if you have the flexibility and interest to work weekends to determine if you will be an ideal candidate. Tell the interviewer if you are available to work weekends if hired. If you cannot, explain why.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 26th, 2021
What to Avoid
It is best to avoid coming right out and saying that you cannot work weekends. If you have an outside commitment, such as childcare, school, or another job, explain your reasons for not being available to work weekends, but explain that you can try to arrange your schedule with advance notice. Responding that you are willing to accommodate the company's schedule shows your flexibility and that you are a team player.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 26th, 2021
Answer Example
"Yes, I would be available to work weekends if hired. However, I would ask for advance notice when possible. I teach a course at the community college, which is every other Saturday for the next five months. If I know in advance that I will need to work, I can arrange to have another instructor take my spot or do a virtual class on another day."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 26th, 2021