How do I answer, "Are you willing to work late hours?"

The interview is going well. You would love to land this job. Suddenly the interviewer asks if you are willing to work late hours.

Late hours?! How late is late? Is this expected?

All of a sudden you are wondering if this really is the job for you.

If you have not done so already, ask:

"What are the scheduling expectations for this position?"

• Make sure you can meet their expectations.

• Ask about the company culture. Is working late hours the norm?

• If you are unable or unwilling to work later, now is the time to discuss this .

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Skip negative talk about working late hours, especially if it's the norm.

Avoid any response that implies that working late may signify inefficiencies or laziness.

Try to avoid stating a specific amount of hours that you will work per week.

1. Remember to stay positive — show that you are ready and prepared to do your best.

2. Highlight your productivity — give an example of how you get things done efficiently.

3. Emphasize your time management skills — highlight how you schedule your time well.

4. Willingness to do what needs to be done — make them feel that you are the best candidate and will step up when needed.

For most positions, you could say:

"I understand that this job may require extra work hours as projects come in and deadlines approach. I believe in working collaboratively and when my colleagues need me to put in the extra time, I will gladly stepup."

If you are applying for a retail position, you could say:

"In retail, I anticipate working over 40 hours per week, especially around the holidays. That said, that comes with some limits as I do value my work-life balance. Could you share with me the expectations for this role?"

Remember to stay positive. Think about the best work-life balance for you.

Good luck with your interview. You got this!