Help - interview this week - has anyone had to make a case for part time hours?

[kittkat]

Hi - I have been shortlisted for a position and have the interview this week. However, the post was advertised as full time, with a note that said applications from applicants wishing to work part time or job share would be considered. As a result, I applied saying if successful I would like to discuss part time hours.

To be honest, I am very pleasantly surprised to be shortlisted - so, my question is... when they inevitably ask me how I plan to do the job well in part time hours, what would be a good answer!?? I have some ideas in terms of my ability to effectively manage my work load to achieve maximum results in the time I am there etc but any advice would be gratefully received.

Many thanks

[RibenaBerry]

My top tip would be to think of an answer that focuses how YOU can do the job part time. Too many people answer this question by explaining how other team members can cover for them. Obviously a bit of give and take is necessary for emergencies, but what really turns an employer off is basically "well I'll do it on the days I work and on the days I don't, the person a grade below me will deal with everything."

A few ideas:

• how can technology help you to work efficiently - e.g. on the train on the way in, picking up emails whilst not about;
• if your work is project based, how will you organise yourself so that you are not missed on your non-working day(s);
• how will you choose you non working day(s) to best fit the needs of the business;
• as you have said, what management skills do you have to ensure that you achieve maximum results in the time available;
• how will you motivate your team to rise to the challenge regarding responsibility (not in the sense of dumping work on team members, but as in career development for your team);
• if you are line manager for anyone, how will this relationship work;
• what about a crisis? What can you do to help there if it happens on a non working day?

Will add more if I can think of them.

[kittkat]

Thank you RibenaBerry - that's really helpful. Hadn't thought of making the point about technology helping with efficiency etc. Any more advice gratefully received

[llareggub]

I work part-time and rely heavily on technology. I check my blackberry on my days off and respond to urgent issues as and when they come in, unless they can wait, of course.

I ring in and speak to my colleague frequently to ensure that we know what is going on as we rarely see each other.

On my last day in the office every week I write a list of the things I need to do the following week as effectively I am away from work for 4 days...this feels like a fortnight sometimes! Sounds basic but it is very helpful.

I am very output focused at work, and spend very little time "catching up" on what I've missed because obviously I've already read all the emails that come in on my days off.

I work 21 hours but only do 18 or so in the office. The other 3 hours I use flexibly to give me the time to deal with the urgent stuff but also to do actual work at home, leaving all my time in the office free to deal with clients.

I do delegate quite a bit, but no more so that I would as a full-timer, but I have to think carefully about whether it comes across as dumping on others or whether it is a development opportunity. Often attitude is important...if you are throwing stuff at people as you run out the door for your days off, it can have a very negative impact on the team.

I'm also flexible about the days I work, so long as I have a bit of notice I can juggle childcare and can therefore cover peaks at work. This pays dividends I feel.

[kittkat]

Thanks both for your advice - very gratefully received. I'll keep you posted