Please share your views on overtime work

Topic Description
This interview question aims to assess the candidate's work attitude, values, and alignment with company culture. Through your answer, the interviewer hopes to understand whether you can view overtime work rationally, whether you can efficiently complete your core duties while demonstrating teamwork and a sense of responsibility. When answering, avoid extreme statements (such as completely rejecting or excessively advocating for overtime), while showcasing positivity and professional maturity.

Solution Process

Step 1: Clarify the Core Principle – Efficiency First, Responsibility Matters

• Core Viewpoint: First, emphasize that you value work efficiency, advocate for focusing on completing tasks within normal working hours, and avoid unnecessary overtime. For example: "I believe the core of work is ensuring efficiency and quality. In my daily work, I prioritize time planning and focus on key tasks, striving to complete objectives efficiently within working hours."
• Detailed Explanation: Explain the reasoning behind this principle (e.g., maintaining work-life balance helps sustain long-term motivation), while avoiding appearing "resistant to overtime," instead highlighting the importance placed on responsibility.

Step 2: Discuss the Rationality of Overtime Work Case by Case

• Reasonable Overtime Scenarios: List acceptable situations for overtime, demonstrating flexibility. For example:
  • When urgent projects or unexpected tasks require team collaboration;
  • When one's own work falls short of expectations and requires proactive compensation;
  • During critical company phases (e.g., product launch) requiring short-term support.
• Unreasonable Overtime Scenarios: Tactfully point out types of overtime that should be avoided (e.g., regular overtime due to management chaos or inefficiency), but the expression should remain neutral. For example: "If overtime becomes the norm, it may be necessary to reflect on whether there is room for optimizing the workflow."

Step 3: Strengthen Persuasiveness with Personal Experience

• Example Illustration: Share a brief example, such as: "In my previous role, we encountered a situation where a client requested last-minute changes, and the team needed to revise the plan within two days. I proactively worked overtime with colleagues to collaborate, delivered on time, and subsequently helped optimize the requirement confirmation process to reduce similar emergencies."
• Key Point: Through the example, demonstrate your ability to handle short-term pressure while addressing root causes, showcasing initiative and a growth mindset.

Step 4: Express Respect for Company Culture

• Statement of Adaptability: Explain that you will respect the company's pace and requirements. For example: "I understand that companies in different industries or stages may have different work rhythms, and I am willing to adjust proactively based on team needs."
• Inquiring in Return (Optional): After answering, you can ask about the company's overtime situation, such as: "I'd like to understand, under what circumstances does the team currently work overtime? Does the company have corresponding time-off or compensation mechanisms?" This shows rationality while also helping you assess if the company is a good fit.

Summary Points

• Balanced Stance: Avoid absolutism, emphasize efficiency and responsibility;
• Clear Logic: Discuss case by case, demonstrating dialectical thinking;
• Evidence from Examples: Use specific experiences to prove your attitude;
• Positive Conclusion: Express willingness to adapt while maintaining reasonable rights."