Would you turn down this job interview?

[KeiraKnightley2]

Had a phone interview last week, all sounded good apart from one thing. They said they do hybrid working, 3 days in the office and 2 days from home. The mandatory day is Monday, others days flexible. The job is in the next city over, where my current job is also based.

In my current role I'm in one day a week, sometimes 2 days where required. Having considered the commute and the cost of 3 days, I don't feel I could do it or that it would be financially worthwhile.

Is it worth saying I'd like to come for the interview but mention the 3 days issue? Or go to the interview and if they offer the job, negotiate on days then?

They have been clear about their expectations. So I would say that you turn down the interview and say why. But if this is the working pattern others already there must adhere to, I'd guess there is no room for negiotiation; and tbf their existing employees ought to be bloody furious if a newcomer got a better working pattern than they have.

If you can't do it then it's better to ask upfront, if they still say no then decline the interview and save everyone's time.

@Neriah I think you're probably right.

At my current role, myself and two others get a bit of flexibility based on our location. But we're a bigger team.

Can you negotiate the salary instead, if the days are not flexible? Or is it fixed?

Ask upfront as a pp says.

I often find these days if it's hybrid and they expect you in on e.g. 2 days, there's more than likely no wriggle room.

Always worth asking whether there is any flexibility in it and also explain that the cost of commuting would make it not worth the move. If they increased your salary would you consider it? It may be worth a go. Also what is stated as company policy by HR/the recruiter might be very different in real life.

@mewkins yes I did the calculation and it would make moving pointless.

For me, a salary increase would not make up for the time spent on that commute. It would be very taxing.

A client of theirs put in a very good word for me and they stated particular interest in me partially based on this. I suppose I should at least ask