What is your availability

How to Answer Interview Questions About Availability for Work

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One question you might be asked during a job interview is, «What days/hours are you available to work?» Employers often ask this because they want to know how flexible you are. When answering this question, you want to be honest about your availability, but also emphasize that you are flexible (within reason).

Review information on what the interviewer wants to know, how to respond depending on the type of job you’re applying for, and examples of the best answers.

What the Interviewer Wants to Know

The interviewer wants to know what days and hours you are available to work and how flexible you are around those days and hours. The way you answer this question will vary slightly depending on whether you are applying for a full-time job, a part-time position, or a shift job.

If you are applying for a shift job or a part-time job, an employer might ask this question because they want to see if you would be willing to work less popular days and hours (like nights and weekends).

If you are applying for a full-time job, the employer might want to know if you are willing to work hours and days outside of a typical workweek.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Availability

When you answer interview questions about your work availability, be honest about any commitments that are not flexible. For example, if you must take your children to work in the morning, or if you cannot work evenings because you take a night class, say so. Do not promise you will be available if you know you will be unavailable.

If you are applying for a full-time job, you want to emphasize that you are willing and able to put in a full workweek and that you can work occasional other hours as needed.

If you are applying for a part-time job, or a shift job, you will want to emphasize your flexibility even more. If there are certain days or hours you simply cannot work, say so. However, emphasize that you are open and flexible about any other days or hours they may need. It will show the employer that you will make your work a priority.

What is your availability?

Before you offer up your evenings and weekends, be sure that you are clear on what they need from you for this position. Typically the hours are laid out in the job description, but if it only says «part-time» or «full-time,» you may want to respond first with, «What hours do you need me to work?» Once the interviewer has laid out the expectations, you can tell them, «That sounds great! I’m available on those days, and I can offer my weekends if I am needed as well.»

You want to show them that you’re excited about the job and that you are willing to make yourself available to work when they need you.

«I am available most days, evenings, and weekends. I do have an obligation on Tuesday evenings, but aside from that, I should be available most times. Can you clarify for me the hours for this position?»

«My schedule can be flexible and fluid. I understand that your clients may need a deadline pushed which requires work in the evenings or on weekends. Since the majority of this job would require me to be on a laptop, I am confident that I can deliver the work when needed, even if it’s remote.»

«I am available to work any evening and all weekends. I am a second-year University student and my courses this semester are primarily in the mornings and early afternoons.»

«I am eager for this opportunity and understand that, aside from regular business hours, I may need to take client calls in the off-hours. I am okay with that and will make myself available as necessary, to be successful in this role.»

«I understand that your bell rings at 8:40 AM and 3:20 PM. I plan to be at school at least 30 minutes before school starts and will stay as late as needed to complete my work. If you are looking for an extra-curricular commitment, I am certainly open to discussing that as well.»

Advice and Examples: What is your availability?

What is your availability?

How to Answer

Before you offer up your evenings and weekends, be sure that you are clear on what they need from you for this position. Typically the hours are laid out in the job description, but if it only says «part-time» or «full-time,» you may want to respond first with, «What hours do you need me to work?» Once the interviewer has laid out the expectations, you can tell them, «That sounds great! I’m available on those days, and I can offer my weekends if I am needed as well.»

You want to show them that you’re excited about the job and that you are willing to make yourself available to work when they need you.

Rachelle’s Answer for an Admin Interview

«I am available most days, evenings, and weekends. I do have an obligation on Tuesday evenings, but aside from that, I should be available most times. Can you clarify for me the hours for this position?»

Rachelle’s Answer for a Manager Interview

«My schedule can be flexible and fluid. I understand that your clients may need a deadline pushed which requires work in the evenings or on weekends. Since the majority of this job would require me to be on a laptop, I am confident that I can deliver the work when needed, even if it’s remote.»

Rachelle’s Answer for a Retail Interview

«I am available to work any evening and all weekends. I am a second-year University student and my courses this semester are primarily in the mornings and early afternoons.»

Rachelle’s Answer for a Sales Interview

«I am eager for this opportunity and understand that, aside from regular business hours, I may need to take client calls in the off-hours. I am okay with that and will make myself available as necessary, to be successful in this role.»

Rachelle’s Answer for a Teacher Interview

«I understand that your bell rings at 8:40 AM and 3:20 PM. I plan to be at school at least 30 minutes before school starts and will stay as late as needed to complete my work. If you are looking for an extra-curricular commitment, I am certainly open to discussing that as well.»

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How to Answer ‘What Is Your Availability For Work?’ Interview Question

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When preparing for a job interview, it is important to consider when you will be available to work for the employer. By taking the time to review your schedule conflicts prior to an interview, you can present yourself as prepared and well-organized. In this article, you can learn why employers ask about work availability, different ways they can address this topic during an interview, and how you should answer this question.

Why do employers ask ‘What is your availability for work?’ during an interview?

Employers ask about your availability for work to help plan out schedules and accommodate staffing needs. It allows the employer to determine if you can fit the needs of the company, and it allows you to express when you could join their team. Answering this effectively will also show an employer that you can communicate your needs in a clear way and are a dependable individual.

Ways that employers ask ‘What is your availability for work?’ during an interview

Here are some of the different ways that an employer could ask about availability during a job interview:

Some employers might discuss the subject of availability to work in a preliminary screening while others might wait until the second interview. Since this question is asked in different ways, anticipating the various forms can help you prepare an effective answer.

How to answer ‘What is your availability for work?’

Here are some steps you can follow when preparing to answer ‘What is your availability for work?’:

1. First, review your schedule before the interview

Make sure you have identified any previously established commitments or reoccurring events that could interfere with your availability. By having an idea of the schedule conflicts and limitations to your availability, you can avoid overbooking work and personal commitments if you get the job.

2. Second, research the company and its hours

Research the needs of the company before you enter the interview or fill out the information on the application. Look for the typical requirements or schedules of employees who hold positions similar to the one you are applying for and determine if those hours and schedules are appropriate for your needs as well.

Some companies need people to work after hours and stock shelves for the next day or to clean up the store and prepare floor models for an early opening. Additionally, some seasonal positions will require employees to work longer hours to accommodate the needs of customers or clients. These are important scheduling factors to consider before interviewing with a company.

3. Third, be flexible yet reasonable

When discussing your availability, be sure to focus on the time you are available and be sure you don’t accidentally give wrong information. Express your willingness to commit to a job well done while being honest about any elements of your schedule that are already unchangeable. For example, if you have a commitment on Tuesdays, be clear and indicate that you can work on all other days except for Tuesdays.

Overall, be positive and show flexibility where you can within your schedule and make sure you discuss your availability in a straightforward and honest manner. This will help management create an appropriate schedule for you if you are hired.

Example answers to use in an interview

Here are some examples of how to answer the question, ‘What is your availability for work?’:

Example 1: What is your availability?

‘I am currently attending college part-time, so I will be in class on Monday and Wednesday evenings, however, I am otherwise very flexible with my hours.’

Example 2: Would you be able to complete overtime work when necessary?

‘Absolutely. I will put in overtime hours whenever necessary if it means seeing a job through to completion within its original time frame.’

Example 3: Can you work on weekends?

‘I would be open to working on the weekends as my schedule is very flexible on those days, especially in the evenings.

Example 4: Have you worked night shifts before?

‘I did work night shifts in my previous job. At first, I found it challenging, but once I established a routine I got used to it, and actually learned to enjoy the quiet atmosphere. A lot more can be accomplished with less distractions.’

Example 5: Are there any dates when you know you cannot work within the next month?

‘The only dates that I would not be able within the next month would be the twelfth and twenty-sixth. Other than those dates, I have open availability.’

Providing an accurate schedule to prospective employers can help you land the best position for your needs and your employer’s needs as well. Your answer should communicate that you are a good fit for the role but must also show that you value time. Expressing your interests both in helping the vision of the company and in your own quality of life establishes you as an individual focused on quality.

How do you write your availability in a cover letter?

Address the topic of availability

If you have prior commitments (such as finishing up a previous job or attending school), state this in your cover letter: I can start this position as of January 1, at the end of my fourth semester. I can start within a few days‘ notice, or more immediately should the need arise.

How do you make an availability schedule in sheets? How to Make a Weekly Schedule in a Google Spreadsheet

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What is a letter of availability?

Availability letter means a letter from a purveyor of water or sewer facilities indicating that the purveyor has sufficient capacity to serve the development proposed by the recipient of the letter.

Should I mention my availability in a cover letter?

It is okay to include dates of availability in a cover letter if there are certain hours or days you cannot work, or if you’re not available until after a certain date. For example, if you’re a student and you have classes, then you can explain your schedule in the cover letter, and note when you will be available.

How do you state your availability in an email?

Remember to always address any questions recruiters or hiring managers may have – this is important if they have asked you when you are available. Consider these examples: “Thank you for your invitation to interview with [company name]. Yes, I am available on day, date, month, at time am / pm.”

What is an availability chart?

The Technician Availability Chart displays the list of technicians, along with the number of open requests assigned to them and their availability for a given month. The chart is a matrix view, indicating the availability of the technician for a specific day.

How do I change the date format in Google Sheets?

To apply a custom date or time format to your spreadsheet:

What is a utility availability letter?

The term “Availability of Utilities Letter” shall mean a letter or letters or other evidence, in form and substance acceptable to Lender, to be completed by parties acceptable to Lender certifying that the Property, when the Improvements are completed, will have adequate rights and means of access to all water, storm …

What is a water letter?

Some financers require that a Water and Sewer Availability Letter be provided prior to the financer approving a loan. … This letter identifies whether there is water and sewer available to the project site and which lines are not available for connection.

What is a Derm allocation letter?

Federal regulations require certain permit applicants to obtain a Sewer Capacity Certification letter before being issued a building permit. This letter certifies that the sewer system can handle the demands that your permit will require.

How do you write the date of availability on a CV?

Example availability statements for your resume

How do you write I can join immediately?

Try this answer to convey your prompt availability: “After learning more about this role, I am confident it would be a great fit for my experience and skill set. I can be available to start as soon as the beginning of the next work week.”

What open availability means?

What does it mean when a recruiter asks, “Do you have open availability?” In terms of interviews, open availability means that your calendar doesn’t have current meeting conflicts and makes it easier for the hiring manager to schedule an interview.

How do you ask what is your availability?

I don’t want to be informal, but I don’t have to be too formal either. Let me know when you are free so that we can discuss this in more details. Let me know when you are available so that we can discuss this in more details. Let me know when you are not busy so that we can discuss this in more details.

How do you answer a date available on an application?

So taking those needs into consideration, frame your answer like this: I am available to start whenever you need me to start, including tomorrow. I need (or would greatly appreciate) a few days (or a week or two) to clear the decks before I start, but I can be flexible if you need me before then.

How do you fill an availability sheet?

Why do you need an employee availability form?

What is an availability form?

Employee availability forms are simply your employees telling you when they can work. These forms are used as a reference when it comes time to planning work shifts. Employee availability forms should include some basic information requirements: Employee contact information.

How can I change the date format?

Press CTRL+1. In the Format Cells box, click the Number tab. In the Category list, click Date, and then choose a date format you want in Type. You can adjust this format in the last step below.

What is the correct format for date?

The international standard recommends writing the date as year, then month, then the day: YYYY-MM-DD. So if both the Australian and American used this, they would both write the date as 2019-02-03. Writing the date this way avoids confusion by placing the year first.

How do I change the date format in data validation?

Please do with following steps:

What is a water availability letter?

A letter from a Water Purveyor declaring that the purveyor’s water system has the necessary water capacity available to supply the domestic and firefighting requirements for the project or service area identified in the letter.

How do you say I can start working immediately in cover letter?

I am able to take on the responsibility of this position immediately, and have the enthusiasm and determination to ensure that I make a success of it. Thank you for taking the time to consider this application and I look forward to hearing from you in the near future.

When can you start working immediately or custom?

The most common time frame for starting a new position is two weeks after you have accepted the job offer. That’s because companies assume you will offer two weeks’ notice to your current employer. Depending on the employer, you may have some flexibility.

Are you available for 2 months starting immediately answer?

Explanation: For the prescribed two month internship I would like to extend my joining immediately. I available to work in your esteemed from this point of time. As this internship is home based I would like to start the internship at this regular point of time.

Are you willing to relocate?

Answering that you are definitely willing to relocate will show that you want to do whatever is necessary to be a part of the company and team. A formal answer would be: “For the right opportunity I am definitely willing to relocate. I believe that this position and company is that opportunity.”

Website availability: what is it?

«My website must be available day and night, seven days a week.»

«My website should be available 99.9% of the time.»

Customers often ask for 100% availability of their site, without realizing what it actually entails. Should websites be available 100% of the time? Is 100% uptime achievable?

While disregarding website availability as a major element of user experience is a surefire path to drive visitors away, before asking for absolute availability, we must understand what it means and how to calculate it. We will also go over what factors can negatively impact your website’s availability, the ones you can plan and others that may come when you least expect them.

So let’s start by what site availability actually means.

The definition of website availability

In simple terms, availability means that you can access a website by entering the website’s URL in your browser or clicking on a link that points to your site (on social media, email, another referral website, etc.) and the site is showing the content as expected.

Availability refers to the «uptime» of a website, which is often directly related to the uptime of the web servers your site is hosted in.

Both availability and performance are key elements for user experience. In my opinion, not performing is the same as not available. Then what criteria should be kept in mind when checking for availability?

How to determine your website’s availability

Measuring the availability of your website gives you insight into the uptime and downtime and if those were planned or unplanned.

By understanding what affects your downtime and identifying frequent causes, you’ll be equipped to improve on the areas you’re lacking and ultimately maximize your website availability.

The availability of a website is often presented as a percentage. It’s calculated dividing the uptime by the total period of time you’re analyzing.

A monthly Service Report will say, for example, «the website was 99.98% available this month». The 0.02% missing come down to about 20 minutes when it couldn’t be reached by visitors that month. This is what is often called “downtime”

Depending on your type of hosting service or provider, you may need to check the availability yourself, or your managed hosting services partner will be responsible for optimizing your website’s availability as well as aspects like security, capacity and performance.

What factors can impact on your website’s uptime

The uptime percentage of your website can be influenced by several factors, planned or unplanned, internal or external. Whether the downtime was planned or not makes a big difference in the way your results can be analyzed.

1. Planned maintenance:

All systems need maintenance, so you should take this into account when managing your website’s availability.

If you ask for 99.99% availability, be aware that you only have 4.32 minutes out of a whole month to handle the factors above, which is not a lot. However, this type of planned activities are usually purposefully left out when calculating the uptime percentage.

2. Unplanned factors:

A good hosting provider will have systems in place to mitigate these risks and minimize their consequences if any damage is done.

Last but not least, integrations with other systems or vendors can heavily impact your website’s availability. Web development has evolved a great deal over the last couple of years, making a lot of excellent services available.

Adobe Fonts is a good example of such a tool: it integrates nice looking fonts on your website. When you incorporate a service like this, you have to keep in mind that it can sometimes fail. A failure or poor performance from these kinds of software can take a toll on your website’s uptime.

On a side note: the servers are up. all green?

As a web consultant, when a problem occurs and I have to talk to external hosting providers, «all lights are green» is often the response. Servers may be up and running, but that’s not a guarantee that everything is working as it should. My advice: have everything written down in one contract, so finger pointing is excluded. It will save you a lot of hassle.

Final Thoughts

100% website availability might seem like a desired number, but when you understand all the elements contributing to your site’s uptime, it’s clear it’s a close to impossible goal.