Do you take your work home?

Disciplines > Job-finding > Interview questions > Do you take your work home?

The question | What they are looking for | How to answer | See also

The question

Do you take your work home?

Do you work on the train?

How often do you take work home?

Are you able to leave your work behind when you leave the office?

Do you work in the evening or at weekends?

What they are looking for

With this question they might be looking to see whether you are organized enough to do all of your work during work hours. If you say that you take work home, it will be taken as an indication that you cannot control what you do, and perhaps take on too much (and maybe do nothing well).

On the other hand (and particularly in companies where high levels of work are expected), they may be testing your willingness 'above and beyond' to get the job done.

How to answer

If you can determine whether they are looking for someone controlled, then answer that you do not take work home. Show that you understand the importance of work-life balance.

I think it's important that I leave work behind me when I go home to my family. I am then refreshed and ready for a full day's work each day.

If you think that they are looking for a hard worker who will regularly work out of normal work hours, then talk about your ability to do just this.

This is a high-pressure, highly-paid industry and it is impossible to do the job well and earn a good salary and bonus without taking work home. I have a study set up where I can log on and pick up from where I left off.

If in doubt, show that you will work extra when necessary, but do not make a regular habit of it.

Sometimes it is necessary. Last month there was a product launch and we all worked extra hours. I don't mind pushing the boat out when it is needed and it can be good fun. I also know that sustained overwork is not sustainable.

See also

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