Career Planning Finding a Job Interview Strategies Part-Time Job Interview Questions and Answers By Alison Doyle Alison Doyle Alison Doyle is one of the nation’s foremost career experts. learn about our editorial policies Updated on February 7, 2022 In This Article View All In This Article What the Interviewer Wants to Know Common Part-Time Job Interview Questions Be Prepared to Ask Questions List of Questions to Ask the Interviewer What Not to Ask Photo: Steve Debenport / Getty Images Just like with full-time jobs, when interviewing for a part-time job, it’s important to be prepared. That means practicing answers to interview questions that are specific to part-time work, as well as typical interview questions for any job. Take the time to review common questions asked during interviews for part-time jobs, and consider how you will respond. What the Interviewer Wants to Know In addition to questions about your skills and abilities, you will also be asked about your availability and preferred work schedule. There are various reasons an employer might ask about your schedule. One is that the employer anticipates full-time work down the road. Or, the employer is firm that the job is part-time and wants to make sure you’ll be satisfied with the hours available. Note Come to the interview prepared to discuss your availability and schedule. Be enthusiastic in your response, and be honest. That is, if you can't work evenings, say so. Common Part-Time Job Interview Questions Many interview questions for part-time roles will revolve around scheduling and availability. You can also anticipate being asked to describe your skills, experience, and work style. What days/hours are you available to work? - Best Answers Do you have any activities that would prevent you from working your schedule? - Best Answers Would you prefer full-time employment to part-time if a job were available? - Best Answers Why do you want this job? - Best Answers What are your salary expectations? - Best Answers How would you describe the pace at which you work? - Best Answers How do you handle stress and pressure? - Best Answers Are you overqualified for this job? - Best Answers Have you ever had difficulty working with a manager? - Best Answers Why do you want to work here? - Best Answers Why should we hire you? - Best Answers What do you know about this company? - Best Answers Why are you the best person for the job? - Best Answers What applicable experience do you have? - Best Answers What can you contribute to this company? - Best Answers What interests you about this job? - Best Answers What motivates you? - Best Answers What are you looking for in your next job? What is important to you? - Best Answers What will you do if you don't get this position? - Best Answers What are your goals for the next few years? How do you plan to achieve these goals? - Best Answers Be Prepared to Ask Questions One of the final questions you may be asked during a job interview is, "Do you have any questions for me?" Note Always aim to ask a question in response. Doing so shows that you're engaged with the conversation and interested in the role. One question you might have for the interviewer is around the work schedule. When you're interviewing for a part-time job, it's important to clarify with your interviewer the number of hours per week you can expect to work, as well as what your weekly schedule will likely be. If you're juggling other responsibilities, such as school and a family, around your work schedule, you need to have a sense of what the employer’s expectations will be if you’re hired. List of Questions to Ask the Interviewer Take the time to ask questions that will clarify the job, schedule, weekly hours, flexibility, and whatever else you need to know to determine whether the job is a good fit for what you're looking for. Here are some questions you might have for your interviewer: If I'm offered this position, how soon would you like me to start?How many part-time people do you employ?Is this a position that has always been part-time?Would there be an opportunity to work full-time in the future?Will I have the opportunity to interview with the supervisor of this position?Is there a full-time person here, with similar duties, who I would be working with?What are the responsibilities of this position?Can you describe for me a typical day in this position?How would you describe your company's management style?How many part-time employees does this company employ?How many full-time employees does this company employ?Is there opportunity for growth within the company?How many applicants are you interviewing for this position?How many employees work in this position?Who does this position report to?What kinds of performance reviews are done?What qualities would you like to see in a person in this position?What are some of the challenges in this position?What do you think is the best part of this position?What do you think is the most difficult part of this position?Do you have any additional questions for me?When should I expect to hear from you? What Not to Ask Some questions that you might ask the interviewer may send the wrong message. Avoid asking about the interviewer's personal life or any questions that could easily be answered by searching online. Key Takeaways Take the time to prepare before a part-time job interview, so you have responses at the ready for common interview questions. Be strategic—and honest—when answering questions about scheduling and availability. Researching the company in advance and reading the job advertisement closely can help you get a sense of what interviewers are looking for in candidates. As well as practicing responses to interview questions, come prepared with some questions for the interviewer. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit