After the company makes you an offer, the focus shifts. You are done convincing them to make you the offer and you can begin the process of accepting the offer. This is the part of the interview process where you can negotiate salary and other benefits. It is also the place to talk about the details of working remotely.
When you mention your desire to work remotely you need to spin it positively. Never lie, but focus on how it will work well for the company. Don’t present it as a detriment. Talk about the opportunity the company has to work with you remotely.
Show them that you have thought through all the issues of working remotely. If you have done it before talk about what made it work. Share the negatives along with the positives. It makes you sound more informed and therefore more convincing. Set their expectations and negotiate the specifics of how you will work remotely. Make sure to answer the following questions.
Plan the first two months. Will you work in the office for a while or be remote from day one? Are there training programs you need to attend?
Work out your travel schedule. How often will you come back to the office? Is there a fixed schedule or will you travel based on specific project needs?
Examine any changes the team needs to make. Do they already use some form or real-time chat technology like IRC or IM? Will they have to buy special equipment like conference room phones?
Discuss your expected working hours. Does the company have flexible hours? Are there specific times of the day you need to be available?
Ask about performance metrics. How often will you have performance reviews? How will they judge your work? Most managers don’t like to admit it, but the number of hours you spend in the office counts for your performance appraisal. How will you replace that?
Come to an agreement about home office expenses. Will the company pay for your Internet connect, telephone, or office equipment?
During this entire process stress that remote does not mean invisible. You want to meet the team face-to-face, you are going to travel to the office, and you will be available throughout every day.
Getting a new job always takes work and causes stress. Take control over the process by being proactive. Don’t wait for companies to find you. Go out and find them.
Don’t ever make “remote” the first thing you say or the last thing someone remembers about you. The fact that you want to work remotely is just a detail. The company will decide about hiring you based on how well you present yourself and how well you fit into the company.
Finding a remote job can be difficult, but with a little preparation, persistence, and luck you’ll find a new job. Or you can transition your current job into a remote one.