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Question on job search

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

I haven't looked for a job in a very long time. I've been at my current position for 10 years and was kind of "stolen" from a competitor by a woman I had worked with previously. Before that I was laid off, before that my department was shutting down, etc. What I'm trying to say is that I've never had to really explain "why are you looking for a job?" It was obvious that I lost or was going to lose my job or I wasn't looking, someone approached me. So now I'm looking at a position that would save me 2 hours of commuting every day. This is really huge - I look at it as having an extra vacation day every week (5 days x 2 hours = 10 hours). Is it ok to say that I'm looking for something closer to home? Does that just make it sound like it's all about me and not what I'm going to give to the company? I also don't want to trash my current company by giving reasons why I want to leave, because this new position is at a client's company. Honestly, the commute is the reason. What do you all think - should I say something like I have limited opportunities for advancement and not bring up the commute at all?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Thistle

Anonymous

I read a lot of print and on-line articles about the workplace and how to move around within it, and one of the big "trends" is the work-life balance . And that goes for both employer and employee. I noticed a Top 100 Employers list that used criteria including what the employer was doing to retain their best employees by offering perks not related to salary. And of course the reverse is true - employers know their workers are looking for working conditions (including commuting time) that help them be their best working selves. If you are going to be productive, happy and efficient, putting your needs first is absolutely ok - that assumes that what you have to offer is already not even a question. So perhaps you could find a way to phrase your choice around using the work-life balance catchphrase and your desire to have more time to do things like volunteer in your community, work on hobbies and outside interests etc - all of which make you a more well-rounded person. I'm suggesting you actually have to DO the volunteer work - lol - but you know what I mean?

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Thanks, Lisa - that's a good idea - their website actually puts a lot of emphasis on work/life balance so that would also show that I took the time to research the company.

Anonymous

Such an interesting question, such an interesting post!
I don't have the professional experience to make a recommendation but I can relay a story from my own work experience.
Prior to my second marriage, as a single mother of two young children, I too wanted work very close to home thinking that if anything went wrong I could run to the school.
But I also really needed the work and being close by meant I would never miss work because I could always get there no matter what was going on with traffic or weather, etc.
I'm thinking there's no harm in mentioning the commute as long as you focus on the part that makes you a better employee and not the making a fast getaway.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Good point, Isabel - I guess it's all in the phrasing. Thank you!

Liz

Veteran

You can also say highlight that you do enjoy your current company and think well of it -- you've been there for 10 years, so this is not a decision you've made lightly. (And you wouldn't up and leave them on a whim to go chase a better offer, either.)

Gaylene

Veteran

I've always thought the best way to prepare for a job interview was to put myself into the headspace of the employer. If you were hiring someone for XX position, and you asked the candidate why she wanted the position, how would you evaluate the response "because I want something closer to home"?

I personally think it's fine to mention the commute and topics like work/life balance IF the those issues come up during a discussion, but I'd hesitate about making it sound like my main reason for wanting a position. If I was in charge of hiring, I'd probably be more inclined towards the candidate who seemed interested in the work itself. Paying you a salary so you have more time for your own interests and hobbies wouldn't seem to offer my company much benefit.

DonnaF

Veteran

Work/life balance could be negatively interpreted as being somewhat of a slacker. A shorter commute could mean you would have more energy for the job, be more available to come in during emergencies, and are more environmentally friendly, unless of course you have a Prius, in which case I suppose it wouldn't make a great deal of difference.

I totally get you on the commute, as I work one day/wk for a firm that moved and increased my commute by two hours. I could never do that commute five days/wk. One or two days is plenty.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I agree that many employers recognize the value of work/life balance but there are still some that don't walk the talk. It has been 5 years since I switched jobs and when I was asked why I wanted a move, I explained that I felt that I had implemented all of the plans I had and felt I was ready for new challenges (which was true). Could you approach it from the perspective that you have been in the same position for 10 years and feel you are ready to move forward. I don't think it could hurt to add that the shorter commute would allow you to have more balance without sacrificing anything but the commute.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Thanks everyone - good advice. It is true that I am ready for some new challenges, Cheryle. As this position is in a different industry than my current one, I can definitely go with that approach and still not be negative about my employer.

Traci

Veteran

Interesting to see all the perspectives. As a hiring manager, I'd rather hear "shorter commute" than "work life balance." I do agree that you don't want your passion for the work to be lost in this.

I think I'd say something like "I've been working at ____ for 10 years and have loved the work I've done there. Even though my commute is 2 hours, I'm so passionate about the work I do that I've stayed with the company for a long time. This is why I was so excited when I learned about the opportunity at your company. It would be the best of both worlds for me, allowing me to continue with the type of work and industry that excites me, but also an extra 8 hours a week of free time to recharge."

Are you actively looking? or just applying for this job because it ticks off all your boxes? If you're only looking to leave for this particular job, I'd say that.

I may be in the minority, but I don't love it when a person comes in for a job only talking about growth potential. Sometimes it can feel like they're not interested in the position I'm hiring for at all, and I've had a couple of instances where the new hire was immediately obviously gunning for someone else's job...not good.

milehighstyle (Linda)

Veteran

Traci - thank you, it's good to get the point of view of a hiring manager. I don't know if I'd say I'm actively looking - more like keeping my eyes and ears open. I have not actually applied for any positions yet. I've been wanting to find something else for awhile, but I'm being very cautious. I don't want to go to a company that I know nothing about just because the commute is better. There are worse things than a long commute. This particular company is familiar to me because I have some business dealings with them. I do really like my work and my clients. I am not miserable by any means. This is the only position I've seen that I've been compelled to look into.

kkards

Veteran

love love love traci's response. as a hiring manager that's exactly what i'd want to hear.

Gaylene

Veteran

As someone who has been involved in hiring for academic and support staff positions for a couple of decades, I totally agree with Traci the "growth" mantra gets repetitive, especially if the position isn't likely to lend itself to a fast promotion. But I think the real issue is that most candidates just can't stop explaining how getting the job would be good FOR THEM. Shorter commute, more exciting work, growth, better pay-- it's all about how the getting job would make their life better. NEWS FLASH--if I'm paying you a salary, I'm really more interested in why hiring you would be a smart move FOR ME.

I'd revise to say:

"I've been working at ____ for 10 years and have loved the work I've done there. That is why I was so excited when I learned about this opportunity at your company. I think the skills I've acquired as a/an ____ could really be valuable to your company. (Maybe insert a few specifics here.) This position would be the best of all worlds for me, allowing me to continue with the type of work and industry that excites me, but also giving me the opportunity to work with a new team, and, as an extra bonus, offering me a faster, more reliable, commute.

Style Fan

Veteran

I like Traci response. I have been involved in hiring and I have changed jobs 2 or 3 times in 30 years. I always focus on the job I am applying for when asked why I am interested in the position.

Olivegreen

I read Gaylene and Traci's excellent advice with interest. You ladies are so very professional and clear about how many businesses view applicants.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I've interviewed, hired and employed many people over the years and I always prefer a direct approach. As a potential employer, I would be glad to hear that you want to find a more reasonable commute. Especially if you are willing/planning to give your current employer enough notice and that you don't have negative things to say about them.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

Nothing useful to add here, but you might want to check out the Ask A Manager blog. She has a wealth of advice on all kinds of work-related topics.

Kari

Veteran

As someone who used to recruit, I'd say "closer to home" is a very valid reason to say you're leaving. I would personally not raise eyebrows at it.

What I see as far more important is to articulate a valid reason of why you want to work at the company you're applying to, why you would be a good fit for the job and company needs/values. At my current company in particular, that fit and potential for long term growth is HUGELY important and can make or break a hiring decision even if the candidate could do the job regardless. Research the company you're applying to and ask questions about their culture and business. Come up with specific examples/stories you can describe in detail about how you're a good fit not just for the demands of the job, but the company itself.

If someone told me they were just applying to work at my company because it's closer to home, without giving reasons why they want to work at the company instead of merely in a certain geographical location, THAT's more of a red flag to me.

Kari

Veteran

Also wishing you the very best in your search. Try to have fun with it, if you can, some of the time. It's your interview, too, to find out if a potential employer/job is what you're looking for!

anne

Veteran

You are getting some great advice here. All the best for the interview!

Thistle

Veteran

You already have some great points above. I can also tell you from the employer side I already know it's a shorter commute. One of the things I look for before even bringing a candidate in is where they live. If I am hiring for a professional or managerial job, I'll look at candidates with a 45 min plus commute. I won't for clerical staff as most will leave me for something closer.

And "growth" is so over used I can't tell who's serious and who isn't. I passed over a good candidate for an accounting clerk position this month and hired the woman who wanted to be an accounting clerk. I don't want to be looking for someone new in a year if she doesn't get the "growth" she wants.

Best advice is think about what you want if you're the one hiring.