Career Advice Career Doctor

Is it OK to ask to see my potential workspace at a job interview?

 

Comfort has a large effect on my productivity and therefore my career. Having spent 15 years in various offices, I know what I do and don’t like in my workspace. Sitting at a desk straight on, for example, is better than sitting at an L-shaped desk, which causes me shoulder pain. A well air-conditioned office keeps my mind awake; an even slightly warm one will make me sleepy and sweaty.

So my question is: will I look strange and hamper my chances if, after a job interview, I insist on viewing my potential future workspace? What if I’m then offered a job and I say my response is conditional on them reconfiguring my desk – will this be an instant turn off? I know this sounds trivial but in the past I’ve left two jobs because of environmental factors that couldn’t be changed.