How should one go about asking to have the option of telecommuting in a new job offer.
I am a female and I think the first thing that comes to people’s mind is I am asking the option to telecommute so I can cook food and look after my kids 
I have unsuccessfully tried asking before and this time I do not want to lose the opportunity by asking but I really do want to be able to work from home 2 days a week. How do I go about it.
Re: New job prospect -how to ask for telecommuting ?
That should be negotiated at the time you apply for or accept an offer. If you are a valuable candidate, the employer will be open to providing that option. Keep in mind - if it is not part of the officecorporate culture, do not expect the employer to make special accommodations for you especially if your reason for working from home is because of child-care issues.
I know I proabably sound a bit harsh - but offering the ability to telecommute is a privilege and yes, I myself have seen people take advantage of it (calling in to a conference call while walking their dog or grocery shopping). Working from home, means working from home - having a home office and not having personal distractions around while working - which includes caring for ones children.
All of that being said - a LOT of employers are supportive of working from home because they support work-life balance. So test the waters and figure out what the corporate culture is like and know that you also have to prove your self and your work product to be given this privilege.
Best way of doing is it to first check with your HR coordinator if option of working virtual is part of your job req or not. You can check with your manager also, and instead of saying that can I telecommute, ask if this job allows the option of telecommuting.
Re: New job prospect -how to ask for telecommuting ?
I’m just shocked that they are referring to “remote-work” as “telecommute” these days … 
To me telecommute means either using business networks while on the go … or travelling to work by virtual space - the latter of which is just a sci-fi aspiration and physical impossibility. Just imagine spending all your time commuting … you never actually arrive at work … 
Commuting is the act of getting to work - not the work itself … so it follows that telecommuting - well you get my point!
I really think they ought to have police monitoring the new terms they coin …
As for working from home … be up front with them and tell them the exact reason for the home-based work and tell them to stiff it if they don’t like it … Only when you are as gutsy as that then they might consider it - they will consider you an asset not worth wasting.
InshaAllah I intend to focus more on writing and perhaps managing a food outlet in the future at some stage - I will want part time work and some allocation to work “remotely” … I’ll give them a good offer and they should accept it. But I would be upfront about it and if they don’t like it they will let you know … but worming in your aspirations is never taken on board very well … you can’t give a sense that YOU are taking the pee … You give that sense to them then they WILL think that you are taking the pee.