Have you ever called off work before?
The NHS relies on employees to be at work so that patient needs can be met through filling prescriptions and assisting with questions they may have. The interviewer wants to know that you are a reliable person and they will not have to find coverage for your shifts or face working short-staffed constantly. Discuss your commitment to your responsibilities and speak to times you've had to call out of work in the past. If you don't have work experience, think about times you've missed class, apprenticeships, or other volunteer responsibilities. No matter the situation, demonstrate that you handle these types of situations with professionalism.
"Since this is my first job, I do not have prior work history to share with you. I have held responsibilities in a volunteer capacity in the past and also attended school full-time, and I took those commitments seriously. I rarely missed class, and if I did, it was once or twice a year because I was not feeling well. In my volunteer role, I understood that anytime I would miss an event or project, it created a heavy burden for others, so I did not call out from my responsibilities."
"Good attendance is critical for all staff at the pharmacy, and anytime even just one member of the team is out, it places a heavy burden on others. I rarely miss work, and the times I have called out were when I was feeling sick or had a fever. If I am not feeling well, I notify my manager with as much advanced notice as possible so that my shift can be covered. I like to work and need to earn a living, so rest assured that I will be at work on time and when expected."
