Do you want a job four days a week? We explain how to get one

Michelle Fox -

If you're like most people, the idea of ​​a four-day workweek sounds appealing to you.

Although jobs are few and far between, there has been a slow build-up of companies switching to the reduced workweek, either on a permanent trial basis.

Some have already implemented this system.

Others may be one of 35 US and Canadian companies participating in a pilot program run by 4 Day Week Global.

The six-month coordinated tests begin on April 1.

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CEOs are quick to point out that fewer days does not mean less work.

It is rather a question of productivity, organization and prioritization.

Communication is streamlined, meetings are cancelled.

That means companies are often looking for candidates who can thrive in this environment.

“Our employees work very conscientiously and hard.

So the four days you're here, you better be on top of your game," said Bolt CEO Ryan Breslow, who recently announced a permanent four-day policy after a successful trial period.

"You better be receptive, have an incredible impact," he added.

"If so, the three days that you are not here, you can be totally disconnected."

It's clear that what recruiters are looking for depends on the position.

However, there are certain traits that can make you a good candidate.

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For example, those who are perfectionists may not be suited to a four-day workweek, according to Banks Benitez, co-founder and CEO of Denver-based Uncharted, which switched to the shortened workweek last summer.

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"We are looking for candidates who know how to prioritize and deprioritize, who are capable of recognizing what is essential and what is not, and who are autonomous in managing their time," he explained.

It's also important to be self-aware so you know when you're at your best and when you're not, and to understand that work will always feel incomplete.

Bolt, a San Francisco-based eCommerce development company, seeks candidates who contribute to its culture by bringing new ideas and experiences.

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“Everyone who joins us will help us live out our Conscious Culture and fiercely commit to our mission to build the best company on the planet and democratize commerce along the way,” said Jennifer Christie, Chief Human Resources Officer at Bolt.

How to find these jobs

You'll need to get a little creative when searching for jobs with four-day workweeks, as they're not necessarily filtered as a category on job search websites.

We are looking for candidates who know how to prioritize and recognize what is essential.

That they be autonomous to manage their time"

Banks Benitez

Use a keyword search, putting the 4-day work week in quotes, suggests Brie Reynolds, director of career services and career coach at FlexJobs.

You can even try additional searches by typing four. Another way is to look for companies that offer a reduced work week.

There is a list of these organizations at fourdayweek.com/companies, from the Bolt's Conscious Culture initiative.

Go to each company's career page to search for jobs and sign up to receive job notifications by email.

"They may not have something you're looking for now, but they may have something in the future," Reynolds said.

How to stand out when applying

If you have any previous experience in a reduced work week, it's very important to highlight it, either next to the job title or in a bullet point on your resume, Reynolds advised.

It doesn't have to be a four-day workweek specifically, but it can also be a reduced number of hours or a compressed workday.

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The reduced or flexible schedule does not have to be officially sanctioned by the company, but can be a schedule that you have developed during the pandemic.

The key is to demonstrate that you have experience working in this different environment.

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“If you don't have experience in a flexible or compressed type of workweek, then you need to focus on the skills you do have to be effective,” Reynolds suggested.

These skills include the ability to focus, prioritize, and organize.

Give employers an idea of ​​how you get things done.

For example, in your cover letter you can say how you keep up.

As with any job search, it's also important to network.

Ask former and current colleagues who have worked at other companies about their interest in working four days a week and see if anyone has any leads.

Thinking differently can help you land your next job.

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“At Bolt, we've hired people through job boards, recruiting marathons, events, social media, our networks and many other channels,” explained Christie.

“Don't wait for a recruiter to contact you.

Be proactive and connect with companies that demonstrate that they prioritize a balance between execution and responsiveness to their employees," he added.

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