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.