Applying for a job whilst on MAT leave . . YES or No?

[Luc28]

I am 1 month into my Mat leave and i have received a job notification for the perfect job. . I tick all the boxes for their requirements and it is a home/field based rep for my area of expertise which is perfect for a working mum. I am currently working at higher level within the industry but my current role is a quite demanding 7 day working pattern for a small company so there is no flexibility or room for career growth, the new job is for a very successful national company that i have worked with for many many years now and it is growing strength to strength, i have attended many of their training seminars and its always been up their on the top ones i wished to work for if they ever recruited again. Under normal circumstances i would have applied in a flash but as i am on maternity leave i'm unsure of what to do or whats acceptable. I know that I wont be in a position to return to work until the end of the year so am i wasting my time? Do I just forget about it totally until i'm ready to return to work or do I apply anyway and disclose this information 'IF' I get through interview stage . . . . or do i submit an application with a truthful covering letter explaining that I am not able to 'fully' apply at the present moment but should they feel I am suitable keep my details for any future vacancies they may have later in the year? Any comments or personal experiences would be greatly received!

[FanSpamTastic]

I would apply unless it says something like "immediate start". In my field it can take 3 months to get from an initial application, through selection then interview to offer. It is then quite normal to be on 3 months notice - so start date can be 6 months from the initial application.

But I would be prepared to compromise on the amount of maternity leave for the perfect job. So how would you feel if they made you an offer and asked you to start in say October?

[chillycurtains]

I would apply and say that I am currently on maternity leave without disclosing how far long. It's in the company's hands then. They know how long the applicaton process takes, how soon they need someone, if they need more than one person (so it won't matter if someone starts later in the year), etc.

[Mrscog]

I would apply and then discuss maternity leave if you got a job offer. Don't mention it before that. The recruitment process will probably take 1 month, then they'd be expecting at least 1 month's notice - so that gets you to June anyway without any compromise whatsoever. I would expect to probably have to bring your maternity leave to an end sooner though as part of the compromise.

[purplepandas]

I agree. Apply and then deal with it at interview if need be. Another one who needs to give three months notice and it is not unusual for people to negotiate longer to move if needed. Too good an opportunity to miss! Good luck.

[poocatcherchampion]

Remember you might need to pay back any maternity enhancement to your current company if thry indeed offer it.. I have to return 3 months to bypass that.

[WidowWadman]

I've done it and it was great for my career (and job satisfaction).

[Marquand]

You have nothing to lose by applying!

[centigrade451]

If I were you I would just apply. If you get to offer stage, deal with it then. If they want you to start in July - are you prepared to cut your maternity leave short?

At worst, you would have gotten some interview practice.

[Luc28]

Thankyou all so much . . . Ive sent the application so i'll just have to sit back and see what happens now :)