So, you want to work from home? Well, you’re not alone. According to Pew Research, about 14% of adults work remotely, and one in five will be working from home by 2025. And for a variety of good, understandable reasons. But what are those reasons, and how do you convey them in your ag job search? Further, your answer to the question “Why do you want to work from home?” in an interview can simply make or break your chance of being hired.
Whether you’re seeking a work-from-home position with a new agriculture company or requesting your current, in-person role to transition to remote, you must go about this strategically. Let’s dive into how you can develop a strong pitch and position yourself as the right candidate for a remote agriculture job.
First, find the facts. Why DO you want to work from home? There are many reasons why employees today choose to work remotely, so take the time to reflect on your own motivations. Do you struggle to stay productive in the office due to constant distractions? Is your lengthy commute impacting your family life? Or perhaps you're relocating but hope to keep your current role in a new city. Whatever your reasons, write them down and be specific. These are the building blocks of your pitch.
Sometimes, the reasons for wanting to work from home can be deeply personal, and that’s perfectly fine. Whether you're caring for a sick parent or managing your own health concerns, it’s appropriate to share these with your ag employer. Just ensure that when you do, you present your reasons logically rather than emotionally. Don’t get too personal. Remember, this is still a job interview. Emphasize that you can still contribute effectively to the company while simultaneously addressing personal needs.
If you want to work from home, you need to demonstrate that you’ll be successful doing it. Once you’re confident in your ability to work remotely, communicate to your employer or hiring manager how your success is their success. Will your productivity improve? Will you save the company money? Is remote work the key to your long-term commitment to the company? Highlight the ways working from home will benefit the company, its stakeholders, and its bottom line.
Although sleeping in or working in your pajamas may certainly play a part in your desire to work from home, those reasons are going to turn off a hiring manager or ag recruiter. Remember, it’s not your employer/prospective employer’s responsibility to cater to your comfort level, so ensure your reasons are mutually beneficial and worthwhile. Pleading your case with wanting flexibility to spend more time at the gym or trying to avoid an annoying coworker isn’t going to cut it.
Now that you know why you want to work from home and what benefits it has, practice how you will answer the question “Why do you want to work from home” from the hiring manager or your employer. Be ready for the conversation and questions that may follow.
Are you ready to find your next remote job in agriculture? Search from thousands of jobs in agriculture, food production, horticulture, livestock, biotech, and more on AgHires.com.
For more about remote work, interview tips, and job seeker advice, visit our Career Advice Blog.