How recent grads can approach employers about remote work

For recent graduates trying to navigate the workforce, even considering the idea of starting your career remotely might seem impossible. In the COVID-19 era, remote work has not only become more widely embraced but it’s also preferred by many—even as some companies return to a traditional office structure.

That said, many employers still seem to have reservations about remote work, and there are plenty of reasons why that is. In many cases, employers are simply nervous about their employees’ ability to work effectively without being in an office setting where they can be monitored and work without distractions. That’s why prior to COVID-19, many job descriptions for remote positions would include caveats about having prior experience working from home.

When making a case in favor of remote employment, employers who are willing to hire remotely open up their talent pool to a much more diverse pool of applicants, making landing one of these positions increasingly difficult. Additionally, businesses located in a less desirable area can also benefit from hiring remote employees. This is why new graduates might want to look for employment within driving distance and approach their employer about the potential to work remotely after they’ve been with the company for a few months. This can of course be negotiated in the hiring process as well. However, if you’re really set on finding a remote position, there are things you can do to help make the case. 

The first thing you’ll want to do is highlight any skills or attributes you have that might lend themselves to a remote situation. Include those skills in your resume and cover letter to really emphasize how they apply to working from home. You’ll also want to come up with some sort of plan or pitch to a potential employer, outlining what your day to day would look like in a remote configuration. 

If you’re not already in the job that you’re asking about, demonstrating your value overall is probably even more important than it would be if you weren’t inquiring about a remote option. Make sure to highlight your school accomplishments and really sell yourself. Note any honors, special projects, or anything that would put you in the best light and show that you’re the best person for the job is crucial throughout any application process. This will help make the case for you not just as an employee, but as someone who is enough of an asset to justify agreeing to a remote position.

One thing to keep in mind, especially as a recent grad, is that you may need to make some compromises if your employer is open to a remote arrangement. That’s especially true when it comes to technology and pay. You might not get everything you want in a remote arrangement, but if flexibility and the perks of working from home are your biggest concerns, then making some concessions might be necessary. 

Ultimately, making the case for a work-from-home setup with a potential employer isn’t impossible. When it comes down to it, as a recent graduate with likely very little work experience, it’s all about making the case for yourself. Come to the conversation prepared and ready to answer any questions or address concerns. Knowing your worth and how working from home would be most beneficial to your productivity will help you not only stand out as a potentially great employee, but one who can do the job well from anywhere in the world.

— Article by Sean Kelly, an analyst researching the latest industry trends for College Recruiter