Would you mind working overtime? Would you mind working at night?

Working at night, and working overtime, belongs to retail. One needs to expect to work unexpectedly, if someone else decides to leave, also unexpectedly :).

However, this question reveals you a simple job interview trick: Sometimes, the answers are directly in the questions. Just think about it. If there was no need to work overtime, or to work different shifts, interviewers would not ask the question. It is similar with many other questions, for example:

Can you work on Sundays?
Are you able to start from the next week?
Would you mind working more than ten hours a day?
Would you mind being transferred to different job location in few months time?
…

Clever job applicants understand this logic, and use it for their advantage in an interview. However, to say simple “YES (I can work at night)” is not the best answer. Employer may get the feeling that you said it just because you knew what he wanted to hear. Therefor, you should always elaborate on your answer, for example with a practical experience. Let’s have a look at it:

Sample answers

I have been working night shifts for the past six months. I am used to do it, and I would not mind doing it, if necessary. In fact, I do not prefer night shifts, but I understand it is a part of a job, and I am ready to take it .

I would not mind working overtime. Actually, in my last job, I sometimes had to stock things until 10pm, even though my shift ended at 6pm. However, I do not have children or family, so there is no reason why I would mind staying longer.

Night shifts are good. Actually, I prefer to work night shifts, as one can earn some extra money, and the shift is typically less busy. Each shift has some positives. According to the medical examination I took just a month ago, I can work both day and night, without limitations.

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