When to ask about flexible / home working?

[bluewellyboots2]

I have an interview this week. The job sounds good but I would be less than keen if it's 5 days a week in the office - I would like 1-2 days working from home.

The job ad says the company 'accommodates flexible working where possible'.

When is the right time to ask about whether the job allows for working from home - during interview or if a job offer is made?

Interview. Ask whether there is any hybrid working policy.

Ask at the interview but I wouldn't class "Flexible" and "home-working" as the same thing...

Home working is obviously WFH but Flexible working usually means core hours of say 10-3 and you can either come in at 7 and work until 4, or come in at 10 and work until 7 and can work flexibly around your core hours.

Personally I’d ask after the job offer has been made

But home working can be requested under a flexible working policy.

WFH very much is a form of flexible working.

Agree with PP, I'd ask at interview.

I would ask when they offer the job. I would want to know I hadn't been deselected because of my flexible working request, so I wouldn't disclose that at interview.

If they call to offer the job, then you can say that you'd very much like to accept, and if you did take the role would there be an option to work some days per week from home.

Once you have the job offer. For me the interview is the time to discuss questions around the role itself, not the conditions. No point trying to discuss terms before they even know if they want you, you'll be in a much stronger position to negotiate and discuss terms when they have offered you the job.

Ask at the interview but I wouldn't class "Flexible" and "home-working" as the same thing...

It is www.gov.uk/flexible-working/types-of-flexible-working

I’d ask once the offer is in, that’s the time to negotiate working conditions, pay, etc but that’s not to say I’m correct in doing that! You’re generally in a stronger position though then.

I would ask if they offer before accepting the job and signing the contract.

I would only ask, if you wanted to general clarify what their version of 'flexible' means or how the people in the office currently work

I think flexible working requests can only be applied for after 26 weeks employment. So if you need it from day 1, you can't wait for that.