When applying for a new job or discussing your role with your manager, being clear about your work preferences can help ensure you find a position that is the right fit. Communicating preferences professionally and constructively is an important part of advocating for yourself in the workplace.
What are work preferences?
Work preferences are aspects of a job that you favor or like. Some examples of work preferences include:
- Preferred hours or schedule (mornings vs. evenings, standard business hours vs. flex hours, etc.)
- Remote, hybrid, or in-office work
- Level of collaboration (individual contributor role vs. highly collaborative team environment)
- Travel requirements
- Office environment (open floor plan vs. private office)
- Company values and culture
- Managerial style (hands-on vs. hands-off)
- Opportunities for advancement and growth
- Work-life balance
Having preferences is common and natural. Jobs that align with your preferences are likely to be more enjoyable and rewarding in the long run. At the same time, being flexible can also lead to new opportunities. Finding a middle ground is ideal.
Why communicate work preferences?
There are several key reasons why directly communicating your work preferences can benefit you:
- Find the right job fit: Being upfront about your ideal working conditions allows hiring managers to assess how well a role aligns.
- Set clear expectations: Stating your preferences early on prevents mismatched expectations down the line.
- Aid negotiations: Discussion of your preferences creates opening for negotiation on job terms like hours, location, responsibilities, etc.
- Improve job satisfaction: Jobs that line up with your preferences are more enjoyable and can improve employee retention.
- Guide management: Your manager can support you better if they understand your work style and motivations.
In short, communicating preferences openly and professionally empowers you to find the best possible job fit.
How to communicate work preferences
When conveying your ideal working conditions to employers, there are effective approaches to ensure the message is received positively:
- Bring it up proactively – Don’t wait to be asked. Raise the topic yourself at the right time.
- Know your priorities – Decide your top 1-3 must-have preferences to focus the discussion.
- Explain the rationale – Share briefly why certain preferences fit your work style, personality, values, skills, life circumstances, etc.
- Remain flexible – Express willingness to compromise on some preferences or try new things.
- Watch your tone – Keep the conversation positive. Avoid sounding demanding or entitled.
- Ask about flexibility – Inquire what degree of flexibility exists around certain preferences.
With this balanced approach, you come across as both confident in what you want and reasonably accommodating of the employer’s needs. Here are some examples of expressing work preferences effectively:
“I really excel in environments with a good deal of collaboration. For me, an ideal position would involve working closely with team members on projects.”
“While I’m open to a flexible schedule, I tend to be most productive in the mornings, so standard business hours generally align well with my natural energy levels.”
“I’m definitely interested in learning more about this role. My preference would be to work remotely full-time because it fits my lifestyle as a parent. However, I understand if a hybrid arrangement is more typical for your company.”
When to communicate work preferences
Timing is important when conveying your ideal working conditions. Bring up the conversation at appropriate moments such as:
- Job interviews: When asked about your preferences directly or when natural openings arise.
- Job offer negotiations: Once an offer is made, use it to start a conversation around hours, location, etc.
- After hiring: With your new manager during onboarding and early tenure.
- Performance reviews: Discuss preferences in relation to your role, satisfaction, and career path.
- Major life events: If preferences shift due to changes like parenthood, discuss with your manager.
Avoid blurting out a list of rigid demands too soon. Focus the preferences chat on top priorities at opportune times.
What to avoid when communicating work preferences
Certain approaches can backfire when conveying your ideal working conditions, including:
- Presenting a long, exhaustive list of preferences
- Making absolute requirements rather than flexible preferences
- Using a demanding, entitled tone
- Rejecting standard company policies as unsatisfactory
- Making threats about what you won’t accept
- Giving an ultimatum about getting your way
- Refusing to discuss or compromise
- Cornering the employer or putting them on the spot
- Looking inflexible and difficult to work with
Combative or unreasonable stances often backfire. Keep the conversation positive, focused, and mutually beneficial.
Sample work preferences to communicate
To provide a sense of direction when articulating your work preferences, here are some examples you can draw from or customize:
Hours/Schedule
- Core business hours (9-5)
- Early morning hours (7am – 3pm)
- Evening or night hours
- Flexible start and end times
- Minimal overtime
- Consistent schedule week to week
Location
- Fully remote
- Hybrid (mix of remote and in office)
- In office X days per week
- No travel or minimal travel
- Open to occasional travel
- Open to moderate travel
Environment
- Private office
- Open floor plan
- Shared office or cubicles
- Casual/relaxed office culture
- Professional/buttoned-up culture
- Minimal noise and distractions
Managerial Style
- Hands-on management
- Hands-off management
- Regular one-on-one meetings
- Autonomy and independence
- Frequent feedback and collaboration
Growth
- Opportunities for promotion
- Training and development investment
- Exposure to senior leadership
- Cross-training and rotational assignments
- Support for professional advancement
Discussing work preferences with your manager
It can be very productive to discuss work preferences with your current manager. Make time for an open conversation by:
- Scheduling a one-on-one meeting in advance
- Picking a private setting without distractions
- Framing the talk positively – “I want to make sure I’m in the best possible role here”
- Starting with points of alignment and appreciation
- Explaining your thoughts and rationale personably
- Suggesting small adjustments that could help optimize your productivity and job satisfaction
- Emphasizing your flexibility and desire to collaborate on solutions
- Asking your manager’s perspective and thoughts
- Agreeing to evaluate changes after a defined period
This kind of constructive career conversation builds mutual understanding and paves the way for suitable adjustments.
Tips for effectively communicating work preferences
To convey your preferred working conditions in the best way, keep these tips in mind:
- Know yourself first – Reflect carefully on your true preferences.
- Do your research – Learn the company’s culture and policies.
- Prioritize key preferences – Don’t overwhelm with a long list.
- Explain why they matter – Share your thought process.
- Frame as preferences, not demands – Use soft language.
- Discuss one on one – Avoid groups when first broaching the topic.
- Check for flexibility – Inquire about wiggle room.
- Suggest compromises or creative solutions – Offer to meet halfway.
- Express appreciation – Thank managers for time and consideration.
- Follow up appropriately – Don’t harp once you’ve made the initial request.
Conclusion
Communicating your work preferences clearly and professionally is a win-win scenario. You get to advocate for the conditions that allow you to do your best work. The employer gets to understand what motivates you and how to obtain your peak contributions. With the right approach, being open about your ideal working setup paves the way to increased satisfaction and success for all parties.
