Here are some of the ways of finding just that:

1. If the person Watchs the favorite show faithfully everyday.
2. Has the show for VCR programmed and ready to go if and when you need to leave the house.
3. Get the new SoapNet cable channel so he can watch the entire week of soap operas even on the weekends.
4. Buy's every television magazine available on the market.
5. Subscribe to every television show related newsletter either online or through the regular mail.
6. Join's the fan club for the favorite television star or character.
7. Get's the friends and family addicted to your favorite soap.
8. Learn to fold laundry at the same time you watch soap operas.
9. Enjoy the show even more, have plenty of snacks available for munching.
10. Attend as many television fan events as possible during the year.
11. And finally, get so wrapped up in the lives of the characters that you forget about your own problems.
    

SAMPLE ANSWER: I have an idea of what the day is like for a pharmaceutical representative and I think it parallels some of what my normal day is like. As a representative I would see as many of my assigned physicians as possible and sell them on why they should use my drug over the competition. I know some physicians are difficult to reach, so I would try to catch them early (6-7AM) in the hospital or after hours, like I have to do with some of my customers. Some days I would utilize a lunch to better impact difficult to see physicians. After 5:00 PM I would enter my calls in the computer (or after each call) and pick up e-mails. At night I would look over pre-call planning for my next day. I don't know if you entertain physicians like I do with my customers currently but I would do some entertaining at night (restaurant) or on the weekends, (golf, hunting, fishing)-whatever it takes to beat my numbers.

TRAPS:  Blurt out "no way, Jose" and you can kiss the job offer goodbye.  But what if you have a family and want to work a reasonably normal schedule?  Is there a way to get both the job and the schedule you want?

BEST ANSWER:  First, if you're a confirmed workaholic, this question is a softball lob.  Whack it out of the park on the first swing by saying this kind of schedule is just your style.  Add that your family understands it.  Indeed, they're happy for you, as they know you get your greatest satisfaction from your work.

If however, you prefer a more balanced lifestyle, answer this question with another:  "What's the norm for your best people here?"

If the hours still sound unrealistic for you, ask, "Do you have any top people who perform exceptionally for you, but who also have families and like to get home in time to see them at night?"  Chances are this company does, and this associates you with this other "top-performers-who-leave-not-later-than-six" group.

Depending on the answer, be honest about how you would fit into the picture.  If all those extra hours make you uncomfortable, say so, but phrase your response positively.

Example:  "I love my work and do it exceptionally well.  I think the results speak for themselves, especially in .(mention your two or three qualifications of greater interest to the employer.  Remember, this is what he wants most, not a workaholic with weak credentials).  Not only would I bring these qualities, but I've built my whole career on working not just hard, but smart.  I think you'll find me one of the most productive people here.

I do have a family who likes to see me after work and on weekends.  They add balance and richness to my life, which in turn helps me be happy and productive at work.  If I could handle some of the extra work at home in the evenings or on weekends, that would be ideal.  You'd be getting a person of exceptional productivity who meets your needs with strong credentials.  And I'd be able to handle some of the heavy workload at home where I can be under the same roof as my family.  Everybody would win."

TRAPS:  You don't want to give a specific number.  Make it to low, and you may not measure up.  Too high, and you'll forever feel guilty about sneaking out the door at 5:15.

BEST ANSWER:  If you are in fact a workaholic and you sense this company would like that:  Say you are a confirmed workaholic, that you often work nights and weekends.  Your family accepts this because it makes you fulfilled.

If you are not a workaholic:  Say you have always worked hard and put in long hours.  It goes with the territory.  It one sense, it's hard to keep track of the hours because your work is a labor of love, you enjoy nothing more than solving problems.  So you're almost always thinking about your work, including times when you're home, while shaving in the morning, while commuting, etc.