With your studies going on, it’s a pretty standard question asked by companies. They want to know your genuine availability as an intern. The answer to this query is obvious, but it's still necessary to be thoughtful in your approach.
However, you don't want to risk losing consideration for the position. But you also can’t make false promises of being available anytime they want you to be. To stand out as a prospective employee, you must show that you are prepared to adapt to the demands of your employer, to the extent that you can. To help you prepare and provide a successful response to this interview question, here's some more information.
Why do they ask?
An interviewer will ask you this to see if you'll be able to work around the company's schedule. For example, the company needs someone who can cover night shifts or work from Thursday to Sunday.
An employer may ask you if you are willing to work nights and/or weekends, or how many hours a week you are available.
There are companies requiring assistance on random basis. Would you be comfortable accommodating such requests? Would you love to learn and grow through challenges, or you’d prefer to have a balanced work-life-study routine? Your answer should consider all of these questions.
How to Answer?
- Your schedule is important in answering these questions, but so is your adaptability. As a team player, you must demonstrate that you are willing to work the hours they require. Prepare properly for any part-time or shift employment interviews you may be attending.
- Write down any days or shifts that you will not be able to complete in the future.
- Try to reduce the amount of scheduling conflicts that you have on your calendar. If your job schedule interferes with a personal activity, your employer is likely to be understanding. As much as possible, be open to postponing your personal obligations.
- You should also take into account the individual work and organisation while deciding on a timetable. For instance, seasonal jobs may require additional work, or weekend assistance. So staying unavailable on those days won’t help you in getting the internship.
- It's important to show that you're adaptable and eager to assist the organisation in any way they require. Don't mislead about your availability, though.
- If there are particular days of the week or shifts that you know you will not be able to work, let them know. The more you lie today, the less likely you are to get hired and retain it.
- You don't have to go into great depth when discussing a scheduling issue. Although consider addressing it quickly if it's connected to professional, educational, or familial conflicts. Then you may indicate that you're in school during particular hours while looking for an internship.
What to Avoid Saying
• Make sure you're honest with your employer. Work schedules that conflict with personal obligations can put you in a bind as well.
• Keep it positive:If you do have a limited schedule. Try to make it positive by focusing your response on when you are accessible. Share the timelines while you're able to plan ahead.
• If you're not available Monday through Wednesday, you may state, "I'm available Thursday through Sunday, and glad to work nights and weekends."
Keep in mind that the interviewer wants to find out as much as possible about you to decide whether to hire you.
If you want to make a good impression, answer his or her questions with sincerity and enthusiasm.
Was this article helpful?
Found it useful? Share with your friends and other job seekers
Share your feedback on this article, and recommend suggestions to improve it. If you'd like Internwise assistance to find you a guaranteed internship, please do contact us:
help@internwise.co.ukEmployment Journey
(select your stage)
Let Internwise be your helping hand through your Employment Journey
See allThe fastest, simplest and safest way to create your digital CV
See allIncrease your profile visibility and connect with the prospective Employers
See allSeize the best interview opportunities - be it in-person, on the phone or a video call
See allLanded in your new job? Consider this
See allWhat does working for each sector entails?
See all
What's Next?
| Vacancy | Location (Sector) | Job Type | Date Published | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Real Estate InternshipJBROWN GLOBAL LIMITED |
London , Central London Property Management / Real Estate |
Full-time | Nov 20, 2023 | View |
Real Estate Marketing PlacementJBROWN GLOBAL LIMITED |
London, Central London Marketing / Advertising / Social Media |
Full-time | Nov 20, 2023 | View |
Real Estate Accounts Placement/ApprenticeshipJBROWN GLOBAL LIMITED |
London, Central London Accountancy |
Full-time | Nov 20, 2023 | View |
Assistant Account ExecutiveDIGITAL NATIVES CONTENT LTD |
London, Central London Marketing / Advertising / Social Media |
Full-time | Nov 14, 2023 | View |
| Vacancy | Sector | Location | Job Type | Date Published |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Social Media InternDJFAN LIMITED |
Media / New Media, Marketing / Advertising / Social Media, Internet Business / Online / Mobile |
London, Greater London | Part-time | Nov 20, 2023 |
Social Media & Events AssistantL BOISSEL LTD |
Public Relations (PR) & Communications, Marketing / Advertising / Social Media, Events |
London, Central London | Full-time | Nov 15, 2023 |
Client Lead Generation SpecialistLUXEMORE LONDON LTD |
Business Management / Development, Travel & Leisure |
Remote, Greater London | Part-time/Full-time | Nov 08, 2023 |
Marketing & Social Media Internship (Startup)SPROOT BABY LTD |
Marketing / Advertising / Social Media, Industrial / Manufacturing, Fashion & Luxury |
London, Greater London | Part-time/Full-time | Nov 01, 2023 |
Sustainability Internship (startup)SPROOT BABY LTD |
Agriculture & Environment, Industrial / Manufacturing, Fashion & Luxury |
London, Greater London | Part-time/Full-time | Nov 01, 2023 |
Digital and Social Media InternPelham Communications Ltd |
Marketing / Advertising / Social Media, Arts / Dance / Theater / Entertainment |
London, Central London | Full-time | Oct 29, 2023 |
Client Manager Assistant/AdminANAKINA LTD |
Administration & PA |
London, Mayfair, Central London | Part-time/Full-time | Oct 18, 2023 |
Fashion Wholesale Showroom InternshipPOSH SHOWROOM LTD |
Fashion & Luxury |
London, Central London | Part-time | Oct 10, 2023 |
Stakeholder Engagement & Communications CoordinatorBETTER BUILDINGS PARTNERSHIP |
Public Relations (PR) & Communications, Property Management / Real Estate, Marketing / Advertising / Social Media |
London, Greater London | Full-time | Oct 04, 2023 |
Brands Partnership Intern PlacementMERCURY EIGHT LONDON LTD |
Marketing / Advertising / Social Media |
London, Central London | Part-time | Sep 28, 2023 |
| Region | Vacancies | |
|---|---|---|
Central London |
5094 | View |
Greater London |
1154 | View |
South East England |
358 | View |
South West England |
91 | View |
East of England |
43 | View |
East Midlands |
48 | View |
West Midlands |
160 | View |
North East England |
9 | View |
North West England |
143 | View |
Yorkshire and the Humber |
34 | View |
Scotland |
45 | View |
Wales |
25 | View |
Similar articles
Answering the Age-Old Interview Question
To kick off an interview, it is common practise to offer an open-ended question such as "Tell me about yourself." This is true of both in-person and video-based interviews. It's normal to feel flustered in the ...
Read Now
How to Answer - How Do You Define Success?
Goals and indicators of progress can be shaped by one's conception of success. Interviewers will frequently inquire as to your personal concept of success because of its significance. The interviewer will gain ...
Read Now
How to Answer - What Management Style Do You Prefer?
It's a good sign that the recruiting manager cares about the company's future if they inquire about your preferred management style. It also shows that you care about fitting in well with the team and the compa...
Read Now
Can Salary be Discussed Without Risking an Internship Offer
Some candidates may find stipend negotiations to be the most difficult aspect of the interview process. Despite your desire to be compensated appropriately, the prospect of losing an internship offer due to pay...
Read Now
Reasons Candidates Dont Get a Response After Getting Interviewed
Many job seekers don't know what to do if they don't hear back from a potential employer following an interview. It's important to follow up with an interviewer afterward to show that you're still interested in...
Read Now
