These days, in almost every interview, we are asked, “why do you want to work from home?”. This article will explore different responses to this question and what they might tell an employer about you as a candidate.
Before answering this question, we must understand what working from home is. Work from home, also known as telecommuting, is an arrangement where employees do not have to go into an office to work physically. Instead, they can perform their duties remotely, like at their homes or coffee shops.
There are a few different work-from-home arrangements, but the most common is probably working remotely full-time. It means that you would do your job entirely from home and would only occasionally have to go into the office for things like meetings or company events.
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Reasons Why You Want to Work from Home
There are plenty of reasons why someone might want to work from home. Maybe you’re tired of the daily commute or want to save money on gas and office expenses. Perhaps you want to be able to spend more time with your family or take care of a sick relative. Or maybe you prefer working in your PJs in the comfort of your own home.
How to answer “Why Do You Want To Work From Home?”
Whatever your reason, if you’re asked, “Why do you want to work from home?” in an interview, it’s crucial to have a well-thought-out answer. Here are a few tips:
Be Honest
Be honest about your reasons. If you’re not comfortable sharing your reasoning, that’s okay. You can say that you would be more productive working from home or are interested in the company’s remote work policy.
Discuss Benefits
Discuss how working from home would benefit the company. For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position, mention how working from home would allow you to be more flexible with customers’ schedules.
You would also save money on things like commuting and office supplies. Additionally, you could create a comfortable workspace conducive to your productivity.
Skills and Experience
Highlight your relevant skills and experience. If you’ve worked remotely before or have experience managing projects remotely, mention those skills.
Discuss Overcoming Potential Challenges
Be prepared to discuss any potential challenges. Working from home can come with its own challenges, like distractions or feelings of isolation. If you’re asked about these potential challenges, be honest and mention how you would overcome them by staying organized and setting strict boundaries.
By preparing a thoughtful answer to this question, you’ll show your potential employer that you’re serious about the job and have considered how working from home would impact your work.
Why Do You Want to Work From Home? Sample Answers
There are many reasons why someone might want to work from home. Here are some sample answers: “Why do you want to work from home?”
“I believe that my skills and experience working remotely in the past would make me a great candidate for this position. I have excellent time management and strong communication skills and am comfortable working independently.”
“While there are challenges to working from home, I feel well-prepared to handle them. I’m a diligent and organized worker and am confident that I can stay on top of my tasks and meet deadlines despite potential distractions.”
“I have worked from home before and am just as productive as working in this environment. I prefer to work from home to create my schedule and have a better work/life balance.”
“I want to care for my sick relative without worrying about taking time off work. Working from home would allow me to do my job and care for my family member.”
“I believe working from home would allow me to focus better on my work and be more productive. I would also save money on things like commuting and office expenses.”
I am a single parent, and working from home would allow me to better care for my child. I wouldn’t have to worry about finding childcare or paying for it, and I could be there for my child when they need me.”
“I have a disability that makes it difficult to get out of the house. Working from home would allow me to continue working and earning an income while still caring for my health.”
The Bottom Line
Working from home is a growing trend, and more and more companies are offering remote work opportunities. Whether you’re looking to switch to a work-from-home position or want to make a good impression in an interview, if you’re asked, “Why do you want to work from home?” in an interview, be prepared with a well-thought-out answer can help set you apart as a candidate.
Are there other tips or advice you would give job seekers when answering this question? Let us know.