Work-life balance has emerged as a significant topic of discussion, influencing worker productivity and well-being. Maintaining a harmonious equilibrium between personal and professional commitments is widely acknowledged as essential for long-term work satisfaction and happiness. Despite the significance of this balance, delving into its intricacies during a job interview may prove inappropriate and potentially detrimental to your chances of securing job prospects.
What Is Work-Life Balance?
The balance an individual aims to attain between their personal and professional obligations is known as work-life balance. It entails setting aside time for family, friends, and leisure and managing time and energy to complete work obligations. Reducing stress and increasing job satisfaction depends on striking a healthy work-life balance. It highlights the significance of upholding a sustainable and satisfying lifestyle that incorporates work and personal interests and acknowledges that people have obligations and interests outside of their professional roles.
Take It From A CEO's Insight
According to Bert Bean, CEO of Insight Global, there's a question you should avoid asking employers: "What's the work-life balance for this role?". Bean has interviewed numerous job candidates and warns that asking this question can be unprofessional, unreliable, or show a lack of commitment to the role. Alternatively, applicants can try different techniques to evaluate a company's work-life policies, such as reading employee reviews on websites like Indeed and Glassdoor or getting information from people familiar with the company culture.
Coming From An Expert Interview Coach
During an interview with CNBC Make It, Barry Drexler, an experienced interview coach who has interviewed and hired over 10,000 candidates, suggests that there are specific questions you can ask to gain a clearer understanding of the expected workload in the job.
Drexler, having 30 years of HR experience from Lehman Brothers and Lloyds Banking Group, contends that most hiring companies talk about work-life balance but ultimately want dedication and effort from their employees. Discussing work-life balance during an interview can give the impression of being more interested in socializing and strictly adhering to a nine-to-five schedule, which might not be favorable to potential employers, who are more interested in those who show commitment and flexibility than in work-life balance discussions.
Other Questions to Avoid
The interview coach suggests steering clear of these questions:
- "How much time off do I get?"
- "Will there be overtime?"
- "Will I need to work weekends?"
- "What time do I leave at the end of the day?"
Avoiding these questions during an interview is highly recommended because they may convey concerns about personal time rather than a strong focus on dedication and commitment to the job. When job seekers inquire about time off, overtime, weekends, or specific leaving times, it might create the impression that they are primarily interested in personal time rather than the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Interview coaches often advise candidates to focus on showcasing their skills, enthusiasm for the role, and commitment to meeting job expectations rather than immediately delving into questions that could be perceived as prioritizing personal time over professional dedication.
