Interview Questions About Full-Time vs. Part-Time Hours

Interview Questions About Full-Time vs. Part-Time Hours Interview Questions About Full-Time vs. Part-Time Hours If you interview for a  temporary  or  part-time job, the interviewer might ask if you’d ever considered a permanent or full-time position. He or she might ask because a full-time position is opening up soon or to see how interested you really are in working for the company. Here’s how to answer interview questions about working a full-time job versus a part-time job. Whether you would want a full-time job or not, you should at least say you would consider it, unless you are absolutely sure you never would. You should also speak positively about the job you are applying for, and the company. What to Say When You're Asked About a Full-Time Job Would you prefer full-time employment to  part-time  if a job were available? can be a tricky  interview question. 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 dont 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 youre not committing to one type of employment or the other. If you know you don’t want a full-time job, explain why you prefer a  part-time  or temporary job. Keep your answer brief. Focus on what you like about the job you’re applying for and unless you know you would never want a permanent job, explain that you might be interested in a permanent job in the future. You never know when your opinion might change, so you should always keep that door open. If you know you’d like a full-time job, express your interest enthusiastically. Briefly explain why you’re qualified for a full-time position. Sample Answers About Full-Time vs Part-Time Employment The following answers would work well â€" be sure to tailor them to your particular situation: “Right now, my education/family/children prevent me from considering full-time employment, but I wouldnt rule it out at some point in the future.”“What’s important to me is that I enjoy the work and the people Im working with. I have many interests, and having a part-time job allows me the time to pursue them.”  â€œI’m interested in this position at your company because (give the aspects of the job that interest you most). Im available to work part-time but Im interested in exploring opportunities at your company.” In addition, you can discuss your flexibility for hours, days of the week, and shifts you are available. This will show the interviewer how you could be a good fit for their needs. Sample Answers for When You Prefer to Work Full-Time and the Job is Part-Time Employers may post jobs as part-time or temporary, so they can assess whether new employees would make a good full-time employee. If you know anyone at the company, do a little research with current employees to see whether this is the tactic used by the company. If you can find out this key bit of information, you will be able to craft your answer better. Take a look at these possible answers: “I’m available for part-time work now and I am interested in working for your company. In the coming months, I will be available to work more hours.” (You can give a reason if you have one, such as family schedule, education schedule, etc.)  â€œI would love the opportunity to become a full-time employee. I am very excited at the prospect of this part-time job, but I would gladly accept a full-time position if it were ever available. I believe my organizational and time management skills would make me a very strong full-time employee.” “I’ve wanted to work for your company for years because of your consistent success in the industry. I would definitely like to become a permanent employee for such a terrific organization. I’m a quick learner with a passion for the work you do.” If you discover that the company rarely promotes part-time staff to full-time, you should focus on why you are interested in working for the company in the offered position. You dont want to raise a red flag that you are looking to move on to a full-time position elsewhere. How to Respond If You Only Can Work Part-Time Hours Do as much research as possible before the interview as to the hours, shifts, and days of the week that the job requires. See if you’re a good match considering your availability based on child care, education schedule, commuting logistics, etc. You can use this as the basis for your answer: “Im interested in working in the position for your company because (give reasons) and I am available (give the hours/days/shifts).”“I enjoy the flexibility of part-time work and am excited for the chance to give my undivided attention to your company three days a week. If my schedule changes in the future and allows me the time to do my best work for you full time, I would love the opportunity for a permanent job.”“At this time, temp work is best for my family and I. I think I will fit in very well with your company culture, and for now, I think I can do that best in a temp position.” Stay Positive No matter what your answer is, be sure to stay positive about the job for which you’re applying. Express your enthusiasm for the company and the job when asked why you want to work there. Be sure to focus on how you can benefit the company rather than how the job or company will benefit you.