Do you take work home with you?
OR-
Are you willing to work from home as well? (Read this in a non-pandemic light)
This is an immensely important question that may make or break an interview.
Why, you ask?
Employers ask this question for a plethora of reasons. They might be seeking for an indication that you are organized and can complete all of your work effectively in the allotted time. They also might want to make sure you maintain a decent work-life balance (which many employers believe will ultimately make you a happier, and thus better, employee).
However, on the other hand, some employers really are looking for people who make work the center of their lives, and want to assess just how dedicated to the job you will be. Even employers who do not expect in-depth work on projects after business hours may want employees to frequently check email from home. For some roles, a certain amount of after-hours work is built in. For instance, a social media manager for a late-night TV show may have to monitor online comments after business hours or look at viewers feedback. Similarly a doctor at a major hospital may be called in at odd hours for emergencies.
This might sound like a tricky question, but with the proper approach, your answer may end up checking all the boxes.
In this article from the How To Answer Series by Your Legal Career Coach, we bring you guidance and tips on how to answer ‘Do You Take Work Home With You?’ during an internship or job interview. Read on!
ANALYSE THE COMPANY CULTURE
If you are preparing for this answer beforehand, the first important step is to understand the currently prevailing culture at the workplace. One may speak to existing employees to find out the inclination of the employers- whether or not they appreciate a work-life balance or whether they encourage staying available even after work hours. This question is, in fact, also an opportunity for you to determine whether this opportunity is a good fit for you.
If you are uncertain of what the employer is looking for, the safest way to answer is to emphasize your organizational skills while also saying that, when necessary, you will take work home with you. Try not to be negative about bringing work home, since that may be something that is common at the company. However you respond, do be honest- it is important to not make unrealistic commitments as not delivering on them later may create further problems.
Read our article on ‘How To Answer- How Many Hours A Week Do You Normally Work?’ HERE.
Anyhow, make it a point to emphasise your time management skills- most employers will appreciate it if you manage to complete your workload during ordinary working hours.
For example, if you are applying for an internship at a law firm, your answer may look something like this:
I am extremely organized and skilled at budgeting my time. When I begin a project, I create a timeline for myself that allows me to complete the assignment in a timely manner without taking my work home. However, I understand that sometimes timelines change or issues come up, and I am always willing to take work home with me when that happens.
If you are applying for a job, your answer may look something like this:
When I start a new project, I frequently choose to carry it home with me to ensure that I finish it on time for my customer. However, I place a high value on spending regular time with my family, so I try to limit this to the early stages of projects and pressing concerns. I’m quite aware of how quickly things move in this sector when it comes to communications. A single email can mean the difference between a pitch being accepted or being rejected. To that end, I make an effort to respond quickly to email on my phone. When I go home, I take a brief review of my inbox multiple times a night, and I also check my email during my early morning workout. I also encourage my team to communicate with me freely regarding urgent matters.
Read Our Article On ‘How To Answer- Are You Willing To Fail’ HERE.
YLCC would like to thank Sachet Labroo for his valuable insights in this article.
Read our article on ‘How To Answer- What Motivates You’- HERE.
