Need a bit of advice

[Stevie77]

Of how to ask the right questions. Also posted in Chat but on second thought this might be a better board.

So I am looking for a new job but after getting burned by a not so nice employer who misled me I am naturally cautious and want to make sure I make the right decision next time. I have a few interviews coming up and...

• ideally I would like to work part-time but these positions are like hens' teeth in my profession, so I may need to see what the potential for negotiating a part-time role may be. Assuming I have been offered a position, how is it best to try and negotiate that? I've only ever done that whilst already employed.
  
  
• I really need to work for an organisation that is flexible. Basically, DH's job complicates things for us sometimes so I may need to come in a little late/finish later or come in early/finish early or even work from home occasionally. How is it best to gauge the organisation's real attitude towards flexibility?
  
  TIA

[pitterpatterrain]

I am not sure about negotiating prior to employment, I did it like you after several years in role.

One idea someone else suggested was that you could ask about their current flex working strategy (or equivalent) including the level of formality, and some specific examples

[pitterpatterrain]

What industry / profession are you looking in?

[Stevie77]

I'm in marketing, no specific sector

[IceMaiden73]

I think this might be a struggle

As an employer if I employed someone to work full time and a month in they ask to go part time, I would be really annoyed. Most jobs are advertised as full time for a reason, that they don't want the role split

Re flexibility I guess this might be possible, but you will need a very understanding company if it is going to be a regular occurence

All you can do is keep an eye out and ask at in interview

[TomTomKitten]

In reality, there are very few companies who offer flexible working. Flexible working is normally over and above the day job IME!

Look at public sector if you want flexible hours/time off in lieu.

[mouldycheesefan]

When you say you want to work flexibly what does that actually mean? Part time? If so, how many hours? As if the job is advertised full time they will then need to recruit someone else to do the other part of the job if you work part time. Not everyone is prepared to do that.
Why would you need to work from home occasionally? What would stop you being in the office?
I think you aren't in a position to negotiate until you have a job offer unfortunately