According to the Gartner consulting firm’s survey of 258 HR leaders, many workplaces have been planning to return to onsite work in 2021. Yet a survey by HRDive shows that 1 in 3 remote workers would change jobs rather than return to onsite work full time.
Are you among the 1 in 3? HR leaders are aware of this conflict in priorities, and many companies are offering flexible combinations of onsite/remote work for everyone, with groups of workers rotating in and out of shared office spaces in a hybrid workplace. Other companies concentrate on benefits such as a quieter workspace and childcare benefits to entice workers back to the office. Would a hybrid workplace or different benefits be enough for you?
Your post-pandemic preferences are an important factor in your job search. For example, in your job search, read job postings carefully for information about whether the work is remote, onsite, or flexible. If you prefer to work onsite, you might still want to check that the company is making accommodations to space out desks, clean more frequently, or control the flow of customers and other outside visitors.
Your preferences will also affect your resume:
- You may want to state right up front “Remote work only” or “Open to remote work” or “Open to remote and onsite work” as applicable.
- If you have worked from home this past year—and wish to continue that experience—you may want to highlight your experience: “15 months’ experience working 100% remotely.”
- You could also add “remote” after the company location on your resume.
- Be sure to include on your resume any special tools you used while working remotely, such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. These are valuable skills regardless of your work preferences.
- List any notable successes with remote collaboration, including solving technical issues or enhancing team morale, as well as reaching company or individual goals. Again, these accomplishments have value regardless of your preferences for remote or onsite work.
During your interview, make sure that you and your future employer have the same vision for “remote” and “flexible” schedules. For example, a survey by PwC indicates that employers feel three days of remote work per week are the absolute maximum, while 29% of employees want five days. You may also find that the possibilities for remote work do not begin until you have proven yourself onsite.
Further, many companies have long-range plans to disburse the office geographically, move to a more rural location, or consolidate office space. Make sure you understand how those plans will affect you.
If you have questions on how to incorporate the past months of remote work into your resume and how to indicate your hopes for the future, Robin’s Resumes® can help. Contact us today.