How do I answer a question about moving vs. telecommuting?

by Kim
(Albuquerque, NM)

I'm trying to land an interview and already the issue of moving has come up. I don't want to move and would like to telecommute as I've done in the past, or at very least work a short-term contract. I need an interview first. How do I answer this question?

"This position is based in Phoenix, AZ. I wanted to make sure that you would be able to move if selected for the position within 2-3 weeks before I schedule the interview. Please confirm your interest and understanding of the location and we will get the interview scheduled."

Thank you for your help,

Kim

Answer: Kim, I think you have to make sure your expectations and what you want are in line with what an employer is looking for. Not every employer is going to be open to a telecommuting arrangement (especially over long distance) with an employee they know nothing about.

I think all you can do is be honest from the get go with your wanting to telecommute or get a short contract. Those may be deal breakers, but better to work through that issue now than to lie and say you are planning to move, when you have no intention of doing so.

If you have a solid history of telecommuting and can offer objective evidence of your success in doing so, you should offer that. You should also make a case for how telecommuting will save the company money or provide better outcomes or whatever might apply. It might be something they're open to, but just never thought about before. The key is to show them how telecommuting will work for them... not you.

Good luck! Kathi