Hybrid Jobs: What to Consider Before Applying

“Can I work from home whenever I like?”

Start by asking what working from home would mean in this role. Confirm the required office days, permitted work locations and working hours with the prospective employer, rather than assuming you can choose them. Jump to the four tips for evaluating a hybrid job.

The Rise of Hybrid Jobs

Fast forward to today, post-pandemic a.k.a. when the entire world was practically forced to work from home, hybrid work has become the new norm. Before COVID-19, about 17% of U.S. employees worked from home 5 days or more weekly. During COVID-19, this amount has increased to 44%, a survey by Statista found. 

As of this year, 28.2% of employees have adopted a hybrid work model, and an overall 98% of workers are interested in hybrid work, according to Forbes Advisor. Since you are currently reading this blog, our guess is you are probably part of the 98%. Having the flexibility to choose when and where you work might sound too good to be true, but it’s not. You just have to make sure you ask the right questions.

What to Consider When Applying for Hybrid Jobs

1. Research, research, research!

Before you hit “submit” on your application, you want to ensure you have done enough research about the company. Aside from understanding company policies and what your future role entails, company culture is one of the most important things to consider when applying for a job - you want to work in an environment where your values and beliefs are aligned!

How will you be supervised, and how and when will you communicate with your manager and team? Ask what flexibility this particular role offers and what working expectations come with it.

Thorough research will not only help you determine if the hybrid job is the right fit for you but also enable you to come up with insightful questions to ask during interviews. Other than the company culture, you may want to consider:

1. The use of technology: How tech-driven is the company? Would you be comfortable with the use of digital tools and offline collaboration?
2. Hybrid job examples: Are there any similar roles in the market? If so, how do they compare with one another? 
3. Expectations and limitations: Will the job require you to stay within a certain time zone? Do you get to set your own schedule? What is the extent of flexibility? 
4. Office days and hours: Which days and hours are required, who sets them, and how much notice will you get if they change?
5. Locations and travel: Which office will you attend, and can you manage that commute? Are there restrictions on where you work remotely? How often is additional travel required, and who pays for it?
6. Equipment and expenses: What equipment is supplied, what technical support is available, and who pays for home-working expenses such as internet access?

2. Gain an internal perspective (ask questions)

Now that you’ve done your research on the company and you have a better understanding of how the company operates, it’s time to gain an internal perspective.

One way to do this is by reaching out to past or current employees! LinkedIn is your best friend for this. You might want to consider talking to someone:

1. In a similar role as you: What is the work culture like?
2. In the HR department: What is the onboarding plan for hybrid employees? 
3. Previously worked in the company: Why did they leave? 
4. Also ask HR: How can remote employees take part in onboarding, meetings and training? Who should you contact to request accessibility or working-arrangement adjustments?

Asking questions not only provides you with the insights you need, it also shows the interviewer that you’re proactive and engaged by seeking a flexible arrangement that works for both you and the company. 

3. Look for clues during your interview

Don’t put your entire focus on how to present yourself during the interview. You want to impress your interviewer and tell them all about your exciting experiences, but remember that your interview is also your chance to get to know them and the company.

Aside from asking questions, try paying attention to what the interviewer is saying. For example, if they are straightforward and transparent about their answers, use that clarity to ask for specifics. However, if they are reluctant on certain topics and are indirect with their answers, ask follow-up questions before drawing conclusions. Neither response alone proves the quality of the hybrid policy. 

Ask the interviewer to describe a typical working week for this role, including office days, remote days and core hours. Request the hybrid policy and confirm which arrangements apply to you. Remember that communication is key! Don’t be afraid to discuss your needs and always take notes during your interviews. 

4. Reassess your skills 

After the interview, reassess what you’ve learned and what you still need to ask. It’s important to recognize that the hybrid workplace might not be suited for everyone, even if you are a cultural fit within the company. Reflect on past experiences:

1. What kind of working environment do you thrive in?
2. When were you most motivated and productive?
3. Do you prefer working independently or in teams?

Compare your answers with the role’s confirmed schedule, commute and ways of collaborating. Separate preferences you can compromise on from must-haves, such as workable hours or an accessible setup. If a must-have is unclear, turn it into a follow-up question before deciding whether the role fits.

Finally, reassessing your skills and understanding your way of working can also empower you to have candid discussions during follow-up conversations with your prospective employer. Take this time to address any concerns or uncertainties you might have about the hybrid model and seek clarity on how the company supports hybrid employees and how they've handled challenges in the past.

Conclusion

The key takeaway here is to ensure you know what you’re signing up for. Every company has a different hybrid work policy and holds different expectations. Are you well aware of the hybrid work model? Before relying on material agreed working arrangements, ask for written confirmation, including office days, hours and locations. The next time you’re looking to apply for a hybrid job, consider our four tips:

1. Research, research, research 
2. Gain an internal perspective (ask questions)
3. Look for clues during your interview
4. Reassess your skills