Why Does Interviewer Ask This Question?

An interviewer may ask how many hours a week a candidate usually works to gain insight into their work ethic and dedication to their job. This information can also help the interviewer gauge the candidate’s availability and flexibility to work additional hours if needed.

Additionally, the interviewer may be trying to assess whether the candidate has a healthy work-life balance and if they are able to manage their time effectively. It also helps the interviewer to understand the candidate’s work culture, if the candidate is used to working long hours it might give the interviewer an idea of what to expect. Furthermore, the interviewer may be trying to assess whether the candidate’s work schedule aligns with the company’s expectations for working hours.

Also, Check – 100+ Situational Questions For The Interview

5 Tips To Answer This Question

1. Be Honest: It’s important to be honest when answering this question. Don’t exaggerate the number of hours you work, as this can be easily fact-checked and may lead to mistrust. Instead, give an accurate estimate of the number of hours you typically work per week.
2. Tailor Your Answer To The Position: If you are applying for a position that requires long hours, it may be beneficial to mention that you are comfortable working long hours. On the other hand, if the position is more flexible, you may want to emphasize your ability to balance work and personal responsibilities.
3. Show Your Work Ethic: When answering this question, it’s important to highlight your work ethic and dedication to your job. Mention any extra responsibilities you take on, such as working overtime or taking on additional projects.
4. Highlight Your Ability To Prioritize: It’s also important to mention your ability to prioritize tasks and manage your time effectively. This will show the interviewer that you are able to work efficiently, even when working long hours.
5. Be Open To Flexible Schedules: Be open to the idea of working flexible hours if it is something the company offers. Show your willingness to work a schedule that meets the needs of the company and your own personal needs.

Things To Avoid While Answering This Question

1. Avoid Providing Irrelevant Information: Stick to answering how many hours a week you normally work and avoid providing information that is not directly related to the question.
2. Avoid Being Too Vague: Provide a specific number of hours rather than saying “a lot” or “a little.”
3. Avoid Using Overly Technical Language: Keep your answer easy to understand for a general audience.
4. Avoid Discussing Sensitive Or Confidential Information: It is not appropriate to discuss information about your work schedule that is confidential or private.
5. Avoid Using Jargon: Avoid using language that may be unfamiliar to the reader and make sure to explain any terms that you use.

Also, Check – Important Interview Etiquette You All Need To Know

How To Answer “How Many Hours A Week Do You Normally Work” In An Interview?

When answering the question “How many hours a week do you normally work” in an interview, it is important, to be honest, and specific about your typical work schedule. However, it is also important to frame your answer in a way that highlights your willingness and ability to put in the necessary time and effort to succeed in the role.

One approach is to give a general range of hours that you typically work, such as “I usually work between 40 and 50 hours a week.” This shows that you are willing to put in a significant amount of time and effort but also leaves some flexibility for unexpected situations or additional responsibilities.

You can also provide specific examples of situations where you have put in extra hours or gone above and beyond to meet a deadline or complete a project. For example, “I recently worked on a major project that required me to put in some extra hours in the evenings and on weekends, but I was able to successfully deliver it on time.” This demonstrates your ability to work hard and make sacrifices when necessary, while also being mindful of your time management.

You can also mention that you have good time management skills and the ability to prioritize your work to meet deadlines and achieve goals.

In addition, you can also mention that you believe in work-life balance and you make sure to take breaks, use vacation days and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Overall, when answering the question “How many hours a week do you normally work” in an interview, it is important to be honest and specific about your typical work schedule, while also highlighting your willingness and ability to put in the necessary time and effort to succeed in the role.

Also, Check – What To Wear For a Job-interview

Example

1. Answer: “I typically work around 40 hours a week. I find that this balance allows me to effectively complete my responsibilities while also having time to focus on my personal life outside of work.”
2. Answer: “I am currently working on a project-based role, so my work hours can vary greatly from week to week. However, on average I would say I work around 45-50 hours a week, with some weeks potentially being more or less depending on the project schedule.”
3. Answer: “I am a remote worker, so my schedule is quite flexible. I prefer to work around 30-35 hours a week, as it allows me to have a good work-life balance.”
4. Answer: “As a shift worker, my schedule can be quite variable. I usually work around 36-40 hours a week, including days, nights, and weekends.”
5. Answer: “I am self-employed, so my work hours can vary greatly from week to week. However, on average, I would say I work around 45-50 hours a week, including time spent on business management and client meetings.”