How to Bring up Work Flexibility in a Job Interview
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The first question to address on this topic is—should you bring up work flexibility in an initial job interview? And in general, the answer is no.



Here’s the thing. Hiring managers want to believe that you’re a candidate who is enthusiastic about the job and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed. They don’t know you from Adam, so immediately broaching the perfectly legitimate question of flexible hours and benefits may portray you as a slacker in some old-school employers’ eyes.



You will also be in a better negotiating position if you bring up work flexibility after they’ve already decided they want to hire you. This means that you don’t discuss the issue until after you have an offer in hand.



But what if it’s a deal-breaker?



Let’s say you don’t want to waste your time with a company that doesn’t give a little in the work flexibility department. In this case, first check out their website to try and find information about flexwork benefits. If the organization is touting flexwork arrangements as a reason it’s a great place to work, then you may be in luck.



During the interview, ask for details about how work flexibility typically operates, what a day-in-the-life looks like for other people at your level, and if many employees take advantage of the flexwork offerings. This still shouldn’t be the first or second thing you inquire about, but in a progressive organization it can be worked into the initial interview.



Listen carefully to how the interviewer responds to questions about flexwork arrangements. Is she excited or reticent to tell you about them? Her response, along with other clues you’ve picked up about the organization’s culture, should inform your decision regarding whether pursuing the conversation—or even the opportunity—is in your best interest.