I am a graphic designer/project manager, mostly doing websites/software stuff. I have had full time gigs, but decided to join a start-up part-time and focus on freelance and my free time.
Recently I was asked to come interview for a job by a marketing agency that I really look up to in terms of talent. If I am lucky enough to get an offer I was wondering how I could approach asking for the job to be part-time or some remote if it has to be full-time?
I have personal projects that I would like to continue, the agency is about an hour commute, and quite frankly I do not need the money that a full-time gig would give me vs. the time it would take.
What would you do? What’s the best way to approach this? I have had this happen before and the result was being a freelancer for an agency that offered me a full-time gig.
I suggest emphasizing how very productive you are when you work from home without distraction. The employers don’t care about your economics, they care about your output. But you are just so much more productive and focused when you can have some some remote work.
You may want to the response to the question in writing.
I once interviewed for a job and specifically told them I was moving across the country to attend a particular center of higher education. I asked if it would be possible to work a flexible schedule so I could attend classes in the mornings. I asked if I could work afternoons, evening, and weekends (writing software) and was told, “Sure, I think after 6 months or so, we should be able to swing something like that.”
I got hired, moved my family from California to Kansas, proved myself within the first 3-6 months and then approached my boss about the whole continuing education thing.
It was then I was told that because the company dealt with the Securities Exchange Commission, the programmers had to be at work during a certain set of “core hours”. Thus, “flexible schedule” in his mind meant starting any time between 7-9AM.
Yeah, I should have put my request in writing, but I also should have gotten his response in writing.
All I’m saying is that it is really, really easy to get told one thing in the interview and find out reality is nowhere close to your expectation.
If you are sure you would not take a fully-time job there, then the responsible thing to do is bring up what you’re looking for at some point before they make their decision/offer. Which isn’t to say that you need to do it immediately. Assuming there’s two rounds of interviews, the second interview is probably appropriate. (After they’ve shown enough interest that the’ll at least listen to you, but so you’re not springing it on them after they’ve made a decision)
Obviously, you don’t want to be a demanding diva, but at some point – hopefully when discussing details like where the position is located, duties, etc. – say that given the commute, you would be much more likely to accept an offer than included some combination of remote work, flexible/compressed schedules, or a part-time arrangement. Of course, as BobArgg says, make sure everyone understands what their offer means before you accept (in writing isn’t a bad idea).
You should be crystal clear about the number of hours per week you are AVAILABLE and maybe suggest a schedule. If you are applying for a full time job and don’t intend to work at least 32 hours per week, you probably shouldn’t even bother asking.
I have to agree, you are trying to have your cake and eat it too.
You could, I suppose, ask upfront if this is something they might consider - (if this really is a deal-breaker for you).
Otherwise, you are sort of wasting their time if you will not accept the position unless you can do it part time, or from home.
Just wondering - an hour commute isn’t horrible, but would it be possible for you to move closer to the company, should you get the job? I understand if you have a family, kids, school district, house, etc. it wouldn’t be practical - but if not, and the job is really that great, I would most certainly consider finding a new apartment nearby and still do your other job when you have time in the evenings or on weekends. Just a thought.