Taking work home

Interviewers ask this question to find out how you approach work-life balance. It tells them two things:

1. Your willingness to work hard.
2. Your commitment to balancing your work and personal life.

It is important to show that you are willing to take work home if necessary, but that your personal life is also a priority. Most employers today want employees who are hard-working, but who don't exhaust themselves with overwork. Every employer is different in this regard, so do your research to see what the work culture is at the company, and decide whether you are willing to work after hours before applying.

USEFUL LANGUAGE:

• I am committed to... (i.e., my priorities for work; personal/family life; or both)
• I am willing to... (spend x amount of time on work at home)
• I am not willing to... (spend more than x amount of time on work at home)
• I'd prefer... (if I could choose, this would be the amount of time I'd spend on work at home)
• How often would I need to take work home with me? (i.e., What are the expectations for employees?)
• My family/personal life is important to me. (i.e., I'm committed to a good work-life balance.)