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i'm looking to change jobs (actually been looking for a while now). although i'm mainly leaving because i want more experience and i'm bored in my current role, one thing i'm looking for is a *little* bit more flexibility. right now i'm very glued to my seat from 930-530 and there is absolutely no wiggle room. so i was hoping to find something a little bit more flexible. but i'm not sure how i can ask this in an interview. i don't want to give off the wrong impression - i feel like if i ask it will sound like i'm looking for an easy gig or i'm not a hard worker or i'm not willing to earn flexibility first before it's granted to me. i was thinking of posing this question "can you give me a few examples of how your company promotes work/life balance". or should i just straight up ask - what are the hours and is there any flexibility?
Don't even bring it up until an offer is made. Then you can ask about the hours/flex time/scheduling, etc... Then negotiate/discuss if you don't like what you hear.
Bringing it up in any way early will be a red flag for most. Not saying I agree but it is what it is.
Don't even bring it up until an offer is made. Then you can ask about the hours/flex time/scheduling, etc... Then negotiate/discuss if you don't like what you hear.
Bringing it up in any way early will be a red flag for most. Not saying I agree but it is what it is.
ok yeah i thought it would be a red flag too. thanks
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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I agree, when an offer is made, the employer has decided that they want you, so they are happy to provide details of the benefits, including work/life balance. Here, for example, we (the organization) offer flexible start/end times within a range, telecommuting, and flexible workweek. That is all up to the hiring manager, however, so if the HR person is providing you the answer, ask if that manager would allow it. Not all do, depending on the nature of the work. Sometimes the HR person might have to get back to you.
I agree, when an offer is made, the employer has decided that they want you, so they are happy to provide details of the benefits, including work/life balance. Here, for example, we (the organization) offer flexible start/end times within a range, telecommuting, and flexible workweek. That is all up to the hiring manager, however, so if the HR person is providing you the answer, ask if that manager would allow it. Not all do, depending on the nature of the work. Sometimes the HR person might have to get back to you.
i wonder though if they would retract an offer if they frowned upon someone asking the question? although i guess in that case i wouldn't want the position anyway?
i wonder though if they would retract an offer if they frowned upon someone asking the question? although i guess in that case i wouldn't want the position anyway?
That could retract, but unlikely. Some businesses can accommodate, others can't. Even companies that do offer flexibility it's likely certain positions don't allow for it.
I agree, when an offer is made, the employer has decided that they want you, so they are happy to provide details of the benefits, including work/life balance. Here, for example, we (the organization) offer flexible start/end times within a range, telecommuting, and flexible workweek. That is all up to the hiring manager, however, so if the HR person is providing you the answer, ask if that manager would allow it. Not all do, depending on the nature of the work. Sometimes the HR person might have to get back to you.
why wait and waste both your time? Ask early or ask someone you know that works there is easiest way.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,665 posts, read 81,421,151 times
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If the company offers a great work/life balance, and flexibility, they won't mind being asked. If they are hard core structured, it will probably be used against you. It depends on how important that is to you, and how badly you want the job, it might be best to ask and not get the job if the answer is not what you want.
Ask them to describe an average day. They will usually indicate the workflow.
Agree. I wouldn't say outright that you're looking for flexibility and/or a nontraditional work schedule because that can be interpreted in an unfavorable light. But asking about what the typical workday looks like can give you an indication of any flexibility. Otherwise, wait until you have an offer to ask about- and potentially negotiate- flexibility in your schedule.
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