Flexible working considered: how to broach this

[winkywinkola]

I've got an interview on Wednesday.

The job advert said flexible working considered.

What does that mean then? Working from home? Covering the stipulated hours when you can, be it day or evening?

And in the interview, should I approach this question only if I get offered the job?

I mean, I would prefer to work from home. I do already as a freelancer but my current work isn't keeping me busy enough.

I've not had an interview in ten years so I don't want to mess this one up becoming across as grabby and opportunist, iyswim?

Thank you v much for those links and your advice. Brilliant.

I've written about flexible working on my blog: theconfidentmother.co.uk/flexible-working-rights/ plus there's this article from Talent Gateway from the employer's perspective: www.linkedin.com/pulse/employers-guide-flexible-working-part-5-barriers-how-overcome-jupp

Sherry

Brilliant. Thanks Sherry.

The interview went well. They said they were prepared to accommodate home working for the right person but it's an office based role really. 22.5 hours a week so like 10-2/3pm every day.

It's school holidays I'm worried about too.

I wonder if they offered me the role, I should just say from the off I could be in the office one of two days a week and work from home the rest.

It's all such a juggle with the dcs the dogs and school holidays. The pay isn't marvellous either but I guess getting back into work is never easy.

So the law says that to make a formal application, you need to have been employed for 26 weeks, however that doesn't mean you can't request flexible working before that. If you want to work from home one day a week, be prepared to compromise. Don't just say what you want.

One compromise could be to work in the office in school term; from home during school holidays.
Or to work the first 3 months in the office (so you build relationships, on the job training, they get to realise that you're conscientious etc) then work from home one day a week after 3 months.

Offer to do on a 1 month or 3 month trial basis so that it gives everybody wiggle room; even if it's not needed.

Good luck.

Perhaps also helpful to find out if anybody at the company has already got some sort of flexible working pattern.

Hi Sherry,

The two people who interviewed me work from home. They also travel a bit to London and Manchester. They are in the office 1 or 2 days a week max. That's why they want me there all the time.

I'm thinking my petrol bill will rocket - it's 20 mins drive away and 40 mins from my dcs' school. The pay isn't that great and well, perhaps it's just not right for me.

Shame as there was a real positivity in the interview. They said they would consider homeworking for a few days in the interview (for the right candidate), then an hour later, they called me, said how they enjoyed the interview, could I come for a second interview but that they required office presence five days a week. Which seemed to contradict what they said earlier.

Not to worry. Something more suitable will come up.

I do appreciate all your input on this. Thank you.

It was fabulous interview experience and the right thing for you is around the corner.