Job with fixed interview date - questions

[Spudlet]

Looking at a job ad which sounds good - but the interview date is right in the middle of a long-booked holiday, so I won't be able to make that day (if they even give me an interview of course!)

Should I ring and ask if there's any flexibility with the interview date before I apply? I'd look at the job description in more detail and think of some more job-focussed questions as well!

Also, I'd struggle to do the job without having some flexibility with hours - ideally I want to do compressed hours. It's a public sector job and they do say they offer flexible working in the ad. Do I leave that aside until later - if they offer the job?

It's been ages since I applied for a job so I'm feeling really out of practice here!

[letstryanewone]

Phone and ask about the interview but don't mention flexible hours until after you get the job

(I interview in the public sector, im very pro flexible working but some aren't)

[Spudlet]

Thank you for replying! Will leave any mention of flexibility - hat was my instinct but it's been so long (I was in my last job for 8 years, then I've been a SAHM for 3) that I was second-guessing myself 😳

[nelsonmuntzslingshot]

I work in the public sector and interview dates can be flexible (we had to offer several additional dates for interview recently) so do ring and ask.

In terms of flexible working; most public sector roles are flexible but if I were you I’d negotiate for it once you know you’ve got the role.

[CostanzaG]

You can ask but it's unlikely they'll move it. They may agree to see you on an alternative date it consider you in absentia.

[Iggly]

I’ve asked upfront just how flexible they’re willing to be before interview and got the job (public sector).

I had another recent interview (NHS) where they asked me if I really needed flexible/part time working and it came across that they didn’t like the idea. Funnily enough I didn’t get the job and I suspect it’s part because I asked for it upfront.

So, in short, you just don’t know.

I’d rather, as an employer, have the conversation upfront.

[coragreta]

I asked this exact thing 2 weeks ago. My problem was it was 2days to the deadline and I didn't apply. However I applied for a different job with no interview specified and they offered an interview while I was away. I phoned up and they've offered me a different date next week so definitely worth phoning.

[Spudlet]

Thank you all. I'm umming and ahhing about applying at the moment - being a SAHM is driving me bonkers but DS is still little and has problems with his speech and I feel funny about leaving him - I know I'll do his speech therapy exercises and be really on it, but can I expect a CM or nursery to do the same? So I just don't know. It's a year until he starts school so maybe I could stick it out for that long and then job hunt? But I really appreciate the replies and it gives me food for thought!