How to Answer Why Do You Want to Work Remotely in an Interview

How to Answer Why Do You Want to Work Remotely in an InterviewHow to Answer Why Do You Want to Work Remotely in an Interview2As you prepare for your job interview, there are certain types of interview questions that you should be ready to answer. Questions like, How much do you want to earn? or How does your experience make you the ideal candidate? are obvious- and often-asked- interview questions.But when it comes to a remote interview, youll inevitably be asked the question, Why do you want to work remotely?Here are some definite dos and donts on how to answer this interview question about why you want to work remotely1. Do mention the company culture. Employers arent looking to temporarily fill a slot they want to hire employees who jive with their company culture. After all, if a potential employee doesnt fit the culture, chances are he wont last long with the company. This forces anemployer to start the sourcing and hiring process all over again, which is notlagelage only time-c onsuming, but costly, both financially and emotionally.So make sure you mention that you appreciate the companys culture, such as its values, dedication to creating a green work environment, its focus on volunteering, and so on as some of your main reasons for wanting to work with the organization.2. Dont make it all about the telecommuting. Sure, the thought of not having to get dressed in a suit (or even put on form-fitting pants) is enough to make you want to break out into a happy dance, but you dont want to let a potential employer know that. He might think that the only reason you want to get a remote job is just that- its a remote job.Thats why its a good idea to not bring up the telecommuting aspect until your interviewer does. Then you can ask a question or two if you need clarification- just try not to sound too giddy that youll never have to step foot into an office3. Do stress the importance of the companys mission.Similar to appreciating a companys culture, its a good i dea to mention how much you believe in the companys mission. Maybe one of its goals is to always donate a percentage of its profits to a humanitarian cause. Whatever it might be, knowing (and liking) the companys mission means that you could not only ace the interview, but youre also more likely to grow with the company and create a career that youll love.4. Dont make it personal. The point of any job interview is not for you to just regurgitate your resume and cover letter to your interviewer. Its to give you an opportunity to establish if you are a good fit for the company, and vice versa. So showing some personality during the interview is a good idea, from personal anecdotes that relate to the question youre answering, or even mentioning where you went to school if your interviewer shares the same alma mater as you do.That said, you shouldnt answer the question of why you want to work remotely with a personal answer. You shouldnt say, I hated my three-hour daily commute and vowe d never to step on a commuter train again, or I have young children and need to work remotely so I can take care of them and work. While both are valid excuses, an employer wants you to be excited about working for his company because of the organization and the job itself, not the fact that you can work from home.5. Do talk about the advantages of remote work- for the employer. Remote work has many benefits for both employees andemployers alike. If you become flustered upon being asked why you want to work remotely, you can answer the question as it relates to the benefits that remote employers have when building a remote team.For example, apart from the reasons why you want to work for the company that arent remote-related, you can say that you believe in eco-friendly work environments and that you are eager to reduce your own carbon footprint. You can also mention that remote companies are able to hire top talent from anywhere in the world and youre eager to work on a team compri sed of global members. Both are strong answers to the question of why you want to work remotely that are professional and not personal.If you have a remote job interview, you should expect to be asked why you want to be a remote worker. Simply make sure that your reasons for wanting remote work focus more on the company- and less on being able to lose a lengthy commute- and youll ace the question and the interview with ease.