Daily Halacha - Laws of the Month of Elul, 7th of Elul 5777

How should scholars and salaried workers conduct themselves regarding the recitation of Selichot?

Scholars, yeshiva students, clerks, and salaried workers who would be unable to perform their work faithfully if they wake up early for Selichot, are permitted to refrain from getting up for Selichot. They may wake up occasionally on Mondays and Thursdays and during the Ten Days of Repentance. Alternatively, they can recite Selichot in the morning before Shacharit prayers, or in the evening before Mincha prayers [Yalkut Yosef Siman 581].

It is also good to recite some Selichot before going to sleep, even individually, and to recite Tikkun Chatzot before sleeping. The merit of Tikkun Chatzot is more important than reciting Selichot with the congregation. [ibid].

Ach Tov VaChesed - Daily Halacha