Practice 30 Office Clerk interview questions covering organization, software proficiency, and office procedures.
Question 24 of 30
Why the Interviewer Asks This Question
Focus Your Answer On
Stay Away From
Taking sick time
Taking vacation/leave time
If you already have a vacation scheduled at the time of the interview
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Emily McMannes is an organizational leader with 20 years' experience interviewing and hiring a variety of candidates in both a global organization (AstraZeneca) and a university environment (Texas A&M University).
Everyone needs leave time occasionally. The interviewer wants to know that you would handle it professionally and not leave them hanging without any notice.

Emily McMannes is an organizational leader with 20 years' experience interviewing and hiring a variety of candidates in both a global organization (AstraZeneca) and a university environment (Texas A&M University).
Remaining positive and letting the interviewer know you would try your best to give advance notice. That is not always possible, but you want to convey that you would let them know as soon as possible if you need sick or leave time.

Emily McMannes is an organizational leader with 20 years' experience interviewing and hiring a variety of candidates in both a global organization (AstraZeneca) and a university environment (Texas A&M University).
Seeming indifferent to others' time. If you need to be out of the office, someone else will need to cover your duties, so you want to be sure you are clear that you understand that.

Emily McMannes is an organizational leader with 20 years' experience interviewing and hiring a variety of candidates in both a global organization (AstraZeneca) and a university environment (Texas A&M University).
"If I am sick, I will let you know as soon as I realize I won't be able to come in. If appropriate, I would call or text you the night before my shift. There are obviously occasions where one wakes up ill. If that were the case, I would let you know immediately. I understand that emergencies happen, and I am more than willing to cover for a sick co-worker if they had an emergency."

Emily McMannes is an organizational leader with 20 years' experience interviewing and hiring a variety of candidates in both a global organization (AstraZeneca) and a university environment (Texas A&M University).
"Before I plan a vacation/leave time, I would speak with you about when would be an appropriate time to do so and ensure someone would be available to cover my shift."

Emily McMannes is an organizational leader with 20 years' experience interviewing and hiring a variety of candidates in both a global organization (AstraZeneca) and a university environment (Texas A&M University).
"I did want to talk with you about that. I have a pre-planned/paid for vacation from X date to X date two months from now. Would that be a problem?" (In most situations, it will not be a problem, and the interviewer would prefer to know ahead of time before you are hired.)
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Written by Emily McMannes
30 Questions & Answers • Office Clerk

By Emily

By Emily