5 Questions to Expect in Any Flexible or Remote Job Interview

5 Questions to Expect in Any Flexible or Remote Job Interview 5 Questions to Expect in Any Flexible or Remote Job Interview For the most part, job interviews for remote roles are fairly similar to those for on-site gigs. However, because the nature of flexible or work-from-home jobs can be quite  different- and they often require a unique set of skills- hiring managers will likely ask a few specific questions related to remote or flexible work in order to judge competency and fit in those areas. Here are five questions applicants are likely to encounter in any flexible or remote job interview: 1. Do you have previous experience working from home? A successful track record speaks volumes. Someone who has already shown adeptness at handling the challenges of remote employment is a good bet to continue performing well. Hiring becomes less of a gamble. Outline details of your past remote work experience, such as what you did for which employers and how many days per week. If you lack actual telecommuting positions to discuss, consider highlighting instances where you completed work projects at home. Mention any freelance assignments, too. 2. Can you describe your home office setup? The employer wants to know whether or not you’ve seriously thought about the logistics of working from home. Smart remote workers know that a dedicated, quiet home office  is conducive to productivity. The area needn’t be fancy, but it should be sufficient for holding work-related materials and staying free from distraction. Applicants who talk about a separate room with a door that can be closed may gain attention. 3. What are your schedule requirements? Not all remote positions are set up the same, and people sometimes have different definitions of “flexible.” Getting on the same page from the start can prevent headaches down the line. A good way to approach this question is to inquire about the employer’s expectations. Does the company want someone committed to working certain shifts, or do defined hours not matter as long as the work gets done? If the former, you’ll need to mention times you aren’t available. If the latter, stress your time-management skills such as creating a daily to-do list and keeping a central calendar to monitor personal and professional obligations. 4. How will you coordinate and communicate with your coworkers to ensure work gets done efficiently? Communication is essential for all teams, but it plays a particularly important role when workers are based in different locations. Promising candidates are aware of the various ways colleagues can get in touch with one another and aren’t afraid to learn new methods if it means better results. Talk about tech you’ve used and in which instances. Maybe you’re well-versed at Google Docs for sharing and editing documents, Trello for project management, and Slack for brainstorming. Also, point out the value of regular check-ins by phone or video chat to gain feedback and ensure nothing slips through the cracks. 5. What do you anticipate your biggest challenge will be as a remote worker, and how do you plan to deal with it? Employers consider this one the equivalent of the standard “greatest weakness” question, just with a little twist. Candidates who cannot think of any obstacles home-based workers typically encounter has either never worked remotely, views telecommuting through rose-colored glasses, or is failing to tell the truth. Show that you’re a realistic, honest applicant by bringing up a common remote work pitfall such as motivation, distractions, engagement, or technical problems. Then, build confidence that you will address such issues in a mature, professional manner. Showing that you’re the kind of person who is prepared to head to a nearby coworking space for the day when public works performs its seasonal tree cutting on your block demonstrates commitment! Know someone looking for a job? Refer a friend to with this link- you’ll get a month free service and they’ll get 30% off!