For many people, flexible working hours are an essential way to balance the demands of home life and a job in a way that does not lead to burnout. Studies show that increased flexibility improves productivity and staff morale as well as saving time on commuting, and these are all factors that benefit employers and employees alike.
A job interview is not only your chance to show your interviewer that you are the best person for the job, it is also your opportunity to ask questions and discuss the logistics of your future with the organisation you are interviewing for. You can ask questions about the possibility of flexible working hours and see how this might work for you and for your potential new employer, to ensure that you will be a good fit for this role.
Asking questions at job interview
A job interview can be a nerve-racking situation and it can be difficult to navigate asking essential questions. If you want to find out about the possibility of flexible working hours, we suggest the following approach:
When you are attending an interview, it is always a good idea to research the company you are interviewing for and find out as much as possible to ensure that you will be a good fit. Your research should give you a good idea of the company’s approach to flexible working and this will help you to decide how to raise the issue at interview.
For instance, your interviewer may talk about the company culture or ask you what you will be looking for as a potential employee, so you can bring up the question of flexible working at this point. This can be a good chance to explain how you would be able to optimise flexible working hours to meet and manage your working commitments as well as maintaining your wellbeing.
Going into an interview and demanding adjustments will simply result in a refusal, so it is important to approach the conversation from a gentle perspective. For instance, if it does not arise organically, you can enquire about the company culture and the way the organisation views work/life balance and take the discussion from here.
Clarity and honesty are non negotiable in job interviews and being open about your circumstances is always the best approach. For example, if you have family commitments or caring responsibilities that you need to manage with your working hours, discussing these with your interviewer will enable you to understand the way the organisation approaches this type of situation and will ensure that you begin from an honest position.
Many people suggest securing a job offer before you mention that flexible working hours are a deal breaker for you, but this can be seen as a dishonest approach and can lead to frustration instead of celebration. Being upfront with your interviewer about your essential requirements will enable them to consider these as part of the deliberation process and you can discuss where you are both willing to compromise.
If you receive a job offer that includes flexible working hours, ensure that you get this in writing to avoid any misunderstandings later on. You will have induction sessions and initial meetings when you join the organisation and it is a good idea to ensure that you work closely with your new managers to create a schedule that works for everyone.
Many employers see the benefits of flexible working and will be happy to accommodate your request. If your prospective employer are not immediately enthusiastic, it may be possible for you to provide a history of effective flexible working to demonstrate your aptitude, and your employer may be willing to trial a flexible approach to see if this will work for them.
Using a Recruitment Agency such as CareerWise to optimise your job search will set you ahead of your competitors and give you an advantage in securing the job you want. We can help you to identify suitable roles for your experience and skillset and brush up your CV to give you the very best chances of getting an interview. We’ll take the time to get to know you so that we can build connections with organisations that interest you and we work with local, national and international businesses to provide the best opportunities for you.
We are based in Cork, Shannon, Galway, Mayo and Dublin and we specialise in the Engineering, Supply Chain, Science/Pharma, IT and Accounting industries in Ireland. Contact our experienced team online now or give us a call to talk with one of our expert recruitment consultants on +353 (0) 21 206 1900.
Michael worked for over 10 years in the industrial engineering environment before starting in recruitment with BDO in 2006 on their engineering desk. He joined IRC in 2008 as a technical engineering consultant before moving into account management and becoming principle account manager in IRC. Michael has worked with some of the largest engineering companies within the mid west region and has had sole management responsibility for one of the largest temporary staffing accounts with one of the bigger multinationals based in Ireland during his time with IRC.
Michael joined Careerwise in April 2016 with the responsibility of growing the business out of the new Galway office with a primary focus on the West, North-West and Midland regions. Michael has extensive experience and knowledge in the technical, engineering and commercial sectors.
|
Stay up to date with the latest jobs entered onto our system, emailed to your inbox.
Why Autumn is the Best Time to Find a New Job
Mental Health & Job Seeking: How to Stay Resilient Through Rejection and Delays
CareerWise Attend TURN THE DIAL, ERF Event
7 Essential Tips for Irish Expats Returning Home to Find Work
Top Hiring Mistakes Irish Employers Make (and How to Avoid Them)CareerWise Recruitment. EastGate Village, EastGate, Little Island, Cork.
Phone: +353 (0) 21 206 1900
Email: info@careerwise.ie
