Part Time Job

Employers want to know, especially with part time employees who have other commitments, whether you will be able to work your scheduled hours. The interview question "Do you have any activities that would prevent you from working your schedule?" a way to verify that you have the time to commit.

"I spend a week during the winter vacationing with my family in Florida every year, but I can schedule that based on the busy times at work."

don't stop at preparing answers to interview questions - practice saying your answers out loud the day before the interview.

We've put together some answers to questions that have a part time angle, to add to what you prepare about your skills and experience.

Be cautious when you respond and keep your answer general, so you're not committing to one type of employment or the other.

Important to me is that I enjoy the work and the people I'm working with. I have many interests, and having a part-time job allows me the time to pursue them.

If you're a student, you'll need to share your class schedule, and any labs, to avoid confusion for your supervisor: "I have classes Tuesday and Thursday until 4 pm, and a lab that meets every other Wednesday from 5 pm to 7 pm, but I'm flexible about working any other hours you have available.

I'm available during school hours while my children are at school, 9 am - 3 pm, Monday through Friday, and I can work some weekends, also.

Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get as close as you can.

Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. Jill Clark, a co-worker at Smith Company, always said I was the hardest workers she had ever known. It is as powerful as Jill having said it at the interview herself.

You should always answer yes and briefly explain why. A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

Focus your answer around why you want this job in this company. The employer wants an answer about how and why you think it's the perfect opportunity for you. NEVER say: 'because I want to work part time'. Let the employer know what skills and experience you can bring to the role and the company.

I understand that positions similar to this one pay in the range of $X to $Z in our region. With my experience, I would like to receive something in the range of $Y to $Z.

Don't get trivial or negative. Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a challenge. You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a contract, which would have given you more responsibility.

You may say that you thrive under certain types of pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of position applied for.

Give several reasons and include skills, experience and interest.

Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion that was accepted and was then considered successful. One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.

The interviewer is not looking for a long or flowery dissertation here. Do you have strong feelings that the job gets done? Yes. That's the type of answer that works best here. Short and positive, showing a benefit to the organization.

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few good examples:Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership skills, Your positive attitude.

Point out how your assets meet what the organization needs. Do not mention any other candidates to make a comparison.

Money is always important, but the work is the most important. There is no better answer.

You should be anxious for this question. It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as they relate to the position being discussed. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and avoid saying negative things about the people or organization involved.

This is up to you. Be totally honest.