Working from home has gradually become a significant advantage for many employees. Since remote work became widespread, for some, giving up this flexibility and daily comfort would be unthinkable.
But how do you tell a recruiter that you prefer to work from home during a job interview? What arguments should you use to negotiate remote work? It’s important to address this point before signing a contract with the company.
Discover all our tips for discussing remote work in job interviews and negotiating this benefit with your future employer.
When should the topic of remote work be brought up in an interview?
The question of remote work is perfectly legitimate, so you can bring it up in the first interview . However, it’s best to avoid mentioning it right away . Remote work shouldn’t become the primary topic of discussion either.
It’s best to wait until the end of the interview to ask questions. That way, you’ll learn more about the benefits of the position and the company’s remote work policy.
The recruiter will likely ask, ” Do you have any questions? ” This is the perfect opportunity to discuss remote work and begin negotiating if necessary. The recruiter will also gain a better understanding of your profile and be able to gauge whether they are willing to make concessions to hire you.
What questions should I ask the recruiter about remote work?
If the recruiter did not mention the possibility of teleworking at all during your conversation, you can simply ask, “What is the company’s position regarding teleworking?”
If you wish to go into more detail , you can ask him the following questions :
- Is it possible to work remotely full-time?
- How many days a week do I need to come to the office?
- Are the teleworking days fixed?
- Is it possible to work remotely from abroad?
- Is it possible to work remotely from outside our home?
You can also ask if the company has a teleworking agreement and inquire about its clauses to find out the precise rules surrounding remote work.
What arguments can be put forward to support teleworking?
What are the arguments for working remotely? The answer will depend on your specific situation, but there are some classic arguments you can use to defend your position.
You know how to work effectively remotely.
The recruiter doesn’t know you, so it’s important to reassure them and prove that you can be efficient and productive while working remotely.
You can confirm that you have a suitable environment (at home, in a coworking space or other) or that you have already carried out teleworking assignments with good results .
If you have received a recommendation or positive feedback from your superiors and colleagues, do not hesitate to let the recruiter know during the interview.
Your working conditions are better at home
If you have a well-organized home office that suits your preferences, you might find your working conditions better than at the office. You may also need quiet to concentrate better and maintain your productivity.
Working from home also allows many people to maintain a better work/life balance , which has an impact on personal well-being, but also on the quality of work.
You possess the required skills and qualities
Feel free to highlight the qualities that will be useful to you for collaborating effectively remotely:
- Autonomy
- Independence
- Sense of organization
- Communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Flexibility
- Adaptability
You can also specify that you are proficient in IT tools for remote work (Zoom, Teams, etc.), project management tools and communication tools used by the company.
You want to maintain social connections
It’s important to express your desire to stay in touch with your team to maintain a sense of cohesion. This will help you gain the recruiter’s trust by assuring them that your goal isn’t to isolate yourself completely.
Commit to coming in at least once a week if necessary to maintain contact with your colleagues and demonstrate your commitment.
What if the answer is no?
You tried to negotiate remote work during the interview, but the answer was still no. At this point, it’s up to you to determine what room for negotiation you have left and how important remote work is to you.
If you are in a position of strength , it is in your best interest to stand firm on this point, even if you risk not getting the job. If the recruiter does not change their position, you will be able to find another company that meets your expectations.
However, if you truly want to join this company, it’s advisable not to push too hard . You could offer a trial period after you’re hired, but be prepared to give up the possibility of working remotely.
