part time job interview questions and answers

Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 1 Part time Job Interview Questions and Answers These are some of the typical part time job interview questions you'll be asked when applying for a part time job. 1. What days/hours are you available to work? One of the first questions you will be asked during a part time job interview is "What days/hours are you available to work?" It's important to assure your prospective employer that you can be flexible. As a part time employee, you are going to be asked to fill in hours as needed. You need to let them know your availability, and be flexible around your other commitments. Sample Answers:  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.  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 flexible and available just about any time you need me to work.  I have another commitment each Monday, but I am available the rest of the week.  I'm available after school and evenings and weekends. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 2 2. Do you have any activities that would prevent you from working your schedule? 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. It's important to be honest about what your availability is. If you have activities what come up suddenly - a commitment as a substitute teacher or bus driver for example, you should be honest about that. Otherwise, this is an opportunity to show that you plan things well in advance. Sample Answers:  I participate every year in a 10K run to raise money for my favorite charity, but I'll know the date well in advance, and would let you know I need that day off.  I'm on the crew team at school, but our practices are typically early in the morning or later in the day, so they shouldn't impact my schedule.  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.  I volunteer at the hospital every Saturday morning from 9 am - noon, other than that my schedule is flexible. 3. Would you prefer full-time employment to part-time if a job were available? "Would you prefer full-time employment to part-time if a job were available?" can be a tricky interview question. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 3 On the one hand, if you are hoping that the job will turn into a full-time position, you want your prospective employer to consider you first should the opportunity arise. On the other hand, you don't want to raise the doubt that should a full-time position present itself, you would walk out of your part-time commitment. Be cautious when you respond and keep your answer general, so you're not committing to one type of employment or the other. Sample Answers:  Right now, my education/family/children prevent me from considering full-time employment, but I wouldn't rule it out at some point in the future.  What is 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. 4. Why do you want this job? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "Why do you want this job?" Here are sample interview answers which you can edit to fit your personal experiences and background:  This is exactly the kind of experience I'm looking for, and the part-time hours will work well with my schedule.  I'm looking for a part-position, like this one, so I can earn some money to cover my expenses while I'm attending school.  I'm looking for a job with flexible hours, and with my experience I have a lot to bring to your company.  I enjoy working with the public and I like interacting with customers. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 4 5. What are your salary expectations? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "What are your salary expectations?" Make sure you are realistic and honest about your salary expectations. Just because you earned X amount at your last job, doesn't mean that the part time position you are applying for will compensate at the same rate. Do your homework, take some time to research salaries, and find out what similar positions are paying in your area. Sample Answers:  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.  I would like to be compensated fairly for my experience and flexibility.  The research I've done indicates that positions like this one pay $X to $Z, and something in that range would be acceptable to me as a starting salary. 6. How would you describe the pace at which you work? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "How would you describe the pace at which you work?" Sample Answers:  I work very efficiently, so I accomplish a lot in a short amount of time.  I'm terrific at multi-tasking, so I typically get all my work done ahead of schedule.  I am very focused on my work, and consequently, am able to work quickly.  I keep a steady pace, and check my work as I go along, to prevent mistakes from snowballing. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 5  Because I am very organized, I am able to accomplish a lot in a limited amount of time. 7. How do you handle stress and pressure? When you are applying for a position a typical job interview question is "How do you handle stress and pressure?" When you respond, be sure to frame your answer positively. If you say that you hate pressure, it will be a red flag for the interviewer that you may not be the best candidate for the job. Sample Answers:  I actually enjoy working under pressure. It's a terrific way to accomplish a lot of work and to stay busy.  I find a past pace to be invigorating, and thrive when the pressure is on.  I've done some of my best work under tight deadlines, where the atmosphere was very stressful.  I'm the kind of person who stays calm under pressure, and handle stress fairly easily. 8. Are you overqualified for this job? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "Are you overqualified for this job?" It's important not to emphasize that you are overqualified, because that may lead an interviewer to doubt your commitment to the position. Instead, you need to come across as thoroughly qualified, and interested in the part-time position available. Sample Answers: Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 6  My experience will be an asset to the company and will help me be successful in this position.  I have the education and experience to fit in readily with the exceptional team here.  I have experience and knowledge to bring to the challenges of this job.  My maturity, along with my experience, will enable me to do a terrific job for the company. 9. Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager?" Be careful answering questions about previous managers. You don't want to come across as difficult, and you want to cast any past experiences in the most positive light possible. Sample Answers:  I had a rocky start with a manager once, because we had different expectations for the flow of the workday.  Once we talked about it, we realized that our goals were very compatible, and we were able to work very successfully together for several years.  I have found that if I take the time to talk with my manager at the beginning of a project, we can all get off to a great start on the same page.  I would say that I have never really had a problem working with anyone. I try to find our common ground, and get along with everyone's different personality. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 7 10. Why do you want to work here? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "Why do you want to work here?" The interviewer wants to know what interests you about the company and why you would like to work for this particular organization. Sample Answers:  This company is internationally known for its products, and my experience in marketing has me intrigued by the opportunity this position presents.  I am a connoisseur, and would love the opportunity to share my enthusiasm for products with customers.  The company is known for its commitment to the local community, and I would like the opportunity to participate in making this a better place to live. 11. Why should we hire you? One of the questions you will probably be asked on an interview for a part-time job is "Why should we hire you?" Sample Answers:  I have top-notch administrative skills and I believe I'd be an asset for the office.  I have the experience that this job requires, and the flexibility to fill in when needed.  I enjoy working with people, and would welcome the opportunity to be a part of your team. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 8 12. What do you know about this company? When interviewing, it's important to know as much as possible about the company you are applying to. Then emphasize the positive things you have learned when you're asked what you know. Sample Answers:  Your company's products are the highest rated in the industry.  This company has the reputation for excellent customer service.  This company was awarded an industry wide commendation for the work done to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. 13. Why are you the best person for the job? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "Why are you the best person for the job?" The interviewer wants to know why you would be a better option to hire than other candidates. Sample Answers:  My education and life experience have prepared me to take on the challenges of this position.  My previous job working as receptionist provided me with the ideal experience for this position.  My skill set is a perfect match for the job requirements.  I have the ability to find my niche within a group and support everyone's efforts. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 9 14. What applicable experience do you have? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "What applicable experience do you have?" When you respond, be sure to relate your experience to the responsibilities of the job you're interviewing for. Sample Answers:  I have very similar experience to what you are looking for. In my current position, I hold the responsibilities that I'd have if I were to be offered this job.  I have several years of office experience.  I'm very well organized, and able to use my time efficiently.  At my last job, my responsibilities included many of those required for this position.  I'm a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to efficiency. I'm punctual, and I feel compelled to finish the work I start. 15. What can you contribute to this company? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "What can you contribute to this company?" Sample Answers:  I'm a hard worker with the experience to get things done efficiently.  I can be flexible with my hours to fill in where you need me.  I can contribute my organizational skills and my ability to work well in a group.  I can bring my personal experience and open minded perspective to interact positively with clients. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 10  My previous work experience included innovation in many areas (ie: QA, scheduling, HR, client relations) applicable to this company. 16. What interests you about this job? One of the questions you will be asked during a part time job interview is "What interests you about this job?" It's always good to have done some research on the company you are applying to, even for a part-time position. That way you can explain why you are interested in the position to the interviewer. Sample Answers:  I've always wanted to help people, and your organization's commitment to helping troubled families stay together would offer me the opportunity to make a positive difference in our community.  I'm impressed with the products manufactured here, and am interested in being part of the team, and learning more about your processes. 17. What motivates you? When you are applying for a part-time position a typical job interview question is "What motivates you?" Sample Answers:  I like to be part of a team with a lot of bright people who have interesting ideas.  It really excites me to work with clients on a one on one basis, and see positive results.  Learning new things has always been a great motivator for me. From every job I've had, I believe I've always been able to learn something new, or a new way to look at a problem. [...]...18 What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you? When you are applying for a part- time position a typical job interview question is "What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you?" Here are sample interview answers which you can edit to fit your personal experiences and background: Sample Answers:  I'm looking for an interesting position with... people  I'd like my next job to be challenging, and let me use my education and experience It's important to me to continue learning, and exercise my problem solving skills 19 What will you do if you don't get this position? When you are applying for a part- time position a typical job interview question is "What will you do if you don't get this position?" Here are sample interview answers which you can... for a part- time position a typical job interview question is "What are your goals for the next few years? How do you plan to achieve those goals?" Here are sample interview answers which you can edit to fit your personal experiences and background: Sample Answers:  During the next few years, I would like to finish up the requirements for my degree I'm taking courses year round, so that I'll have time. .. interview answers which you can edit to fit your personal experiences and background: Sample Answers:  I will continue looking in this field for another part time position that will fit my schedule and goals Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 11  I will consider broadening my search to include some different industries hiring part time people  I really feel like this would be a good fit for me,... year round, so that I'll have time to work and spend time with my family also  During the next few years, while my children are small, I would like to work part time in a field that interests me In a few years, I will be looking to turn that experience into full time work  For the next few years, I need to be the best caregiver I can for my family Having a job so that I can contribute to their wellbeing... time work  For the next few years, I need to be the best caregiver I can for my family Having a job so that I can contribute to their wellbeing will help me to achieve that important goal Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 12 . http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 1 Part time Job Interview Questions and Answers These are some of the typical part time job interview questions you'll be asked when applying for a part time. have many interests, and having a part- time job allows me the time to pursue them. 4. Why do you want this job? When you are applying for a part- time position a typical job interview question. full -time employment to part- time if a job were available?" can be a tricky interview question. Source: http://jobsearch.about.com/ Page 3 On the one hand, if you are hoping that the job