How to Negotiate a Flexible Work Schedule in a Cover Letter
Your cover letter accompanies a resume, and the two arrive at prospective employers as a package that introduces you and your qualifications. When you have specific desires and needs for a position, such as flexible hours, you might begin to negotiate a flexible work schedule in a cover letter. Present your desired schedule briefly in the letter so the prospective employer knows that you need or want an unusual schedule. By laying the groundwork for the job you desire, you help ensure that the job offer you may receive is acceptable.
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Instructions
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Introduce yourself and mention the job for which you are applying in standard cover letter fashion.
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Demonstrate your knowledge of the company and the position by correlating your skills and experience directly to the job position. Choose your two or three strongest or most impressive skills or areas of expertise, and tie them to skills someone would need to perform the job. Mention qualities such as superior organizational skills, independently motivated and self-starter to support a flexible schedule negotiation.
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Segue into the work schedule you desire by writing something such as, “If you allow me to adopt a flexible work schedule in this position, I will be able to increase my responsibilities and productivity because of the flexibility.” Making the schedule sound positive to the employer can be a powerful negotiating maneuver. For example, if you desire a schedule that enables you to work around your children’s school schedule, mention the benefit of having someone working later in the evening to handle telephones or customer service.
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Mention other successful flexible employees if you know that the company offers this kind of flexibility to other employees. Write something such as, “I am prepared to work hard to prove my abilities, and I know I will be an asset. I would appreciate the opportunity to join the other employees who enjoy flexible employment with your company.”
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Sign your name, enclose your resume and mail the documents to the prospective employer.
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