How to Bring up Work Flexibility in a Job Interview

How to Bring up Work Flexibility in a Job InterviewHow to Bring up Work Flexibility in a Job InterviewIf work flexibility is a top priority for you as a job seeker, the question is leidwhetherto bring up work flexibility in an interview, butwhen?Heres the deal If youre thinking ofwork flexibility as an option and not as a must-have,you may have some wiggle room as youprep for job interviews. But if youve decided work flexibility is an absolute requirement as you search forflexible jobs, then its incumbent upon you to find the right moment to bring up work flexibility during the hiring processThis iswhere figuring out when to bring up work flexibility can become something of a high-wire act. Broaching the topic too soon may be a non-starter for the employer if their organization is not yet open to flexible work options like remote work orjob sharing. That said, bringing up work flexibilityafter the fact may be too little, too late. You probably dont want to broadside the employer with a last-minute request.So where does that leave job seekers?Heres a quick list of questions that may help you decide how to bring up work flexibilityHow important is work flexibility to you?This is a decision you need to make at the outset of your job search. If work flexibility is a deal breaker, then you may be wasting not only your time, but the employers time too, if flexibility is a no-go option.If youre a parent or caregiver determined to work from home, for example, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment by applying for jobs that dont offer remote options. If holding out for work flexibility is an option for you,a more focused, targeted job searchcan help you achieve that career goal.Do you have a proven track record of working flexibly?Experience working in a flexible position may be a great bargaining chip if you encounter resistance to flexible work options from a potential employer. If you haveflexible work experience, bring it up when the opportunity arises to discuss your career background and achievements.If working flexibly is absolutely essential to you in your next job, make koranvers to feature that experience prominentlyon your resume, which will help tremendously if yourelooking to bring up work flexibility during a job interview.Is the employer willing to do a trial run?Another possible opening to bring up work flexibility during a job interview is when yourenegotiating salary and benefits. If you can help the employer broaden their vision of the job to include flexibility, youll be off to a good start.Come armed with facts- for example, talk about how remote workers have been shown to behappier and more productive. Suggest options like acompressed workweek, making the point that flexibility helps employees achieve healthier work-life balance. Or, provide details showing what your day-to-day schedule might look like, and assure the employer that you have afunctional home office, all pointers that could help your case.Have you re searched the employers history with work flexibility?It almost goes without saying that youll need to do your due diligence before the interview, and understand what there is to know about the employers history with work flexibility. Have they offered options like working from home or alternative schedules in the past? Can you make the case for why flexibility can help the company- being specific to the position youre seeking?The more you canresearch a company(using resources like the database of jobs and the companys own website), the more you can bring up work flexibility realistically, optimistically, and with authority.Search for a Flexible JobAlexandra Levit contributed to this post.