How to Answer: What would your most recent supervisor say about your attendance and punctuality?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Electrical Inspector job interview.
12. What would your most recent supervisor say about your attendance and punctuality?
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Interviewers want to hire employees who are dependable and punctual. The interviewer wants to hear that you show up to work early or on time for every shift and do not abuse sick leave. If you have a history of calling off work or showing up late, you will be viewed as unreliable and may be passed over for the job. The interviewer will call your previous supervisor for a reference and ask the same question, so be honest in your response. If you were late for or missed many days of work, explain the reason. The interviewer will then determine if you had a valid reason before deciding to hire you.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 26th, 2021
What to Avoid
If you have a history of showing up late or missing work, avoid sounding flippant in your response. If you have poor attendance or punctuality, you should explain why that happened and what steps you are taking to improve. Some interviewers may be compassionate if you have a valid reason to be late, such as childcare issues, but they want to see that you are working to rectify the situation so it will not be a problem if they hire you.
Written by Krista Wenz on December 26th, 2021
Answer Example
"My most recent supervisor would say that I have excellent attendance and punctuality. In the five years I worked for my previous employer, I was always at least a half-hour early to work and only took three sick days during that time. I used sick days after being involved in a motorcycle accident to recover from a mild concussion and provided my employer with a doctor's note."
Written by Krista Wenz on December 26th, 2021