Applying for a job, but I think it could be done from home?

mapaca

I've seen a job advertised that I would really like to apply for. I have most of the skills/experience required, etc. The job is based in Dublin, I live in the West. I currently work from home and am all set up for it, I think I could do this job online from home. Would it be a good idea to apply and suggest that I could do this? If I did, how would I go about it? It's an online application form, rather than a cv + cover letter. Any advice welcome!

Maphisto

A couple of things come to mind:

1) Given that you are in the West how good is your internet connection?

2) Why would the potential employer not want you to attend team meetings. Would they not want you to have casual networking oppurtunities with other people in a similar role.

3) Will you not be on probation or trial to start with involving coaching and performance reports from your line manager?

4) Do you have a team to manage

You can see I am flying a little blind here - can you say a little about he job.

In my experience, employers are either all for home working (and then most people are and they have sold your desk and office block) or they are all for office base. I don't see them making a special case for you, unless they are already half and half - but I could be wrong.

mapaca

Those are all good points to think about! The job itself is mostly web admin, content management etc., that's why it caught my eye initially. There was no mention of managing a team in the job description. I suppose you would have to be there for meetings, networking and the like though.
I'm probably clutching at straws alright, just because there are so few good jobs out there at the moment that are suited to my skill set. Thanks for replying, tis good to be able to run ideas by someone!

mqq

why bosses are still working in office? i think job isn't only a job,it also means teamworking,discipline,working atmosphere and so on. but if u are the boss or .....you can choose to work at home.but still good luck to you.

Maphisto

mapaca wrote: »

Those are all good points to think about! The job itself is mostly web admin, content management etc., that's why it caught my eye initially. There was no mention of managing a team in the job description. I suppose you would have to be there for meetings, networking and the like though.
I'm probably clutching at straws alright, just because there are so few good jobs out there at the moment that are suited to my skill set. Thanks for replying, tis good to be able to run ideas by someone!

I sympathise it is tough.

I worked in the Post Office in the UK for 30 years. Someone there came up with the idea that we could realise the value of all this prime real estate if people worked at home. So all the support functions worked from home. It became apparent that it is virtually impossible to manage under performance like that. Things for the PO were not so good and terms like managed decline gained currency. Shortly after I left they cancelled home working, having sold the offices. So everyone had a huge distance to travel and then had to find a hot desk.

Sorry long ramble. The other thing is if you don't ask you won't get. So ask, what's the worst they can do?

I wish you well.

Mrs OBumble

Lots of IT workers in multi-nationals do a partial week from home, eg up in Dublin or Galway for Tues-Thurs, and do Mon and Fri at home.

But unless the employer has advertised that it's suitable for work-from-home, then it's probably not their first option.

What most people do is apply, get the job, perform it successfully for a while (minimum a month, maybe three), and then ask if some off-site work is possible. It's a total gamble whether this will be agreeable or not. One way to get some hints is to trawl LinkedIn to see hat connections you have who have/did work the, and chat to them about the company's usual answer.

I doubt you will get anyone to agree to a full week work-from-home, unless you already work for the company. In general, if a job can be done from home, it can be done from Bangalore, too.