Interview for full time job - only want 4 days a week -how to proceed?

[leo1978]

I have an interview for a full time job. If I was offered the post I would want to work 4 days a week only. How could I sell this as a good idea?

[ShinyPinkShoes]

Depends on what job and who it's for really but you could approach it from the angle that you'd work 4X10 hour days thus providing cover at the beginning and end of the day

[MrsMuddle]

Sorry for hijacking, but I'm in exactly the same position (it's not the same job, is it?)

I want to ask if I can start half an hour early, lose half an hour's lunch and finish at 4 instead of 5. If I can do this, I want to work 5 days but only get paid for 4, building up days in lieu to use in the holidays. Do you think this is reasonable?

Anyway, when should I bring this up? Should I talk about it at the interview or wait to see if I am offered the job?

[ShinyPinkShoes]

I would wait until you are offered the job and negotiate then.

I find it slightly offputting if someone asks for flexibility at interview stage.

Not that it influences my decision, but it does make one question their flexibilityand might put some employers off.

[MrsMuddle]

Great. Thanks for that. I've been worrying about when to ask.

[BecauseImWorthIt]

Without knowing about the job it's difficult. Is it, in reality, a job that would lend itself to these hours?

You will have to be realistic about this before you even think about asking for flexible hours.

[ShinyPinkShoes]

If/when you're offered the job make sure you express how pleased you are, before asking if you can discuss what flexibility regarding hours might be possible. Explain your situation ( young children/carer responsibilities) and also get across your commitment to the role, meeting business needs and being part of their team.

[flowerybeanbag]

Depends on the job and the organisation really. If it's the kind of job where you normally start at 9, finish at 5 and actually do take an hour for lunch, then doing what MrsMuddle says might work.

But if it's the kind of job/organisation/team where the official hours are 9-5 but actually most people are in by 8.30, don't take their full hour and often stay a bit late, you may struggle to do that. If everyone else is only taking half an hour lunch as well but you are the only one being paid for the other half an hour, it would obviously be a problem.

And I agree don't go in and ask for flexibility, wait until offered job, exactly what ShinyPinkShoes says.

[MrsThierryHenry]

Don't make the mistake I made - I practically had a job in my lap and then mentioned flexible working before they made an explicit offer. Wait until they make you an offer first, and then you can begin your negotiation on all aspects of your compensation, not just the hours.

Could you offer to start/ finish an hour earlier? That way you'd do a 4.5 day week in 4 days. Also if I were you I'd offer to trial it for the first 3 months - if they see you are flexible they might give it more consideration.

Or you could ask, be turned down, and then do the job brilliantly for three months. After your probationary period you could raise it again, saying 'now that I've done the job for three months I can see that I could manage my workload very well in 4 days...'

Good luck!