How to Answer: Can you work overtime, weekends, and holidays?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for a Respiratory Therapists job interview.
12. Can you work overtime, weekends, and holidays?
How to Answer
Medical facilities often require you to be available to work odd hours. You might be working the night shift for weeks, and then one day, you're asked to work a double or switch to 12-hour shifts. If you work in a doctor's office that is only open until 7 PM every night, you might have a more predictable schedule. But if you're in the emergency room or another 24-hour facility, you will need to be flexible. Explain your availability, but be clear that you are willing to work shifts needed while also being honest with your availability. This can be a difficult balance, and researching the hours for the position is important before applying for the job to ensure that it meets your availability. If you're not sure what to expect, ask.
Written by Ryan Brunner on June 3rd, 2021
Entry Level
"As I look to enter the workforce as a new Respiratory Therapist, I am ready to take on any shifts, overtime, and holidays that I can to better myself in this field. I understand that essential learning in this job occurs the more that I can work and to one day work a more stable day shift, I need to pay my time in the department."
Written by Ryan Brunner on June 3rd, 2021
Answer Example
"With my current employer for the past four years in a large hospital setting, I have worked 12-hour shifts that rotate 2 days on, 2 days off, 3 days on, 3 days off, 2 days on, and then 2 days off every two week period. Every two weeks, we switch from day shifts to overnight shifts. I am very flexible with my family situation and am usually willing to trade shifts with coworkers that need certain days or shifts off. I knew going into a career in healthcare that the need for patient care comes 24 hours a day and 365 days per year."
Written by Ryan Brunner on June 3rd, 2021
Experienced
"In seeing the job posting was for a 12-hour shift, 0.9 FTE position working 6 am-6 pm, I was very excited at this point in my career to move into this type of role. With my children entering high school athletics, I can work any day of the week and am more than willing to help on extra days if needed. Can you clarify that the hours in the posting are correct?"
Written by Ryan Brunner on June 3rd, 2021