Applying for full-time jobs, when I really want part-time

[DuckandCat]

I've recently been looking for a new job. Only It seems that permanent, part-time positions are hard to to come by!

I'm considering apply for jobs which have been advertised as full-time and trying my luck.

Is this a bad idea and a waste of time for all involved? Or worth a try?

TIA

[noblegiraffe]

If they need a full-timer to fill the timetable, then I can't see them hiring a part timer then needing to hire someone else to fill the shortfall. Maybe you need to look at temporary part time positions and try to impress?

[DuckandCat]

Thank you for your reply. Getting a temporary job is one option, but I would miss the security of having a permanent job.

Since have DD and dropping down to part-time I've been put in a phase I have no experience in and am not enjoying at all. Hoped to move to a new KS next year, but now looks like that's not going to happen.

I just feel so trapped, I could go full-time but that would mean full-time childcare for DD which I don't really want either!

Sorry I know you didn't ask for my life story, but needed to get it all out.

[saadia]

I am in a similar position and am thinking that perhaps PPA jobs might be more flexible and open to part-time suggestions so am going for those rather than class teacher positions.

[Judyandherdreamofhorses]

I had to take the risk with a temporary pt post, but it's been fantastic. I'll certainly be able to stay on if the budget allows. If not, I'd be happy to take another temporary post.

It's much, much harder than I expected to return to teaching. My pay is much less (was ups 3, now m6) and I sent in quite a few applications without getting an interview - I'd always got interviews previously. So I was happy to get anything! Turns out this job is the best I've ever had.

[CharlesRyder]

When I got my current job I applied for a position advertised as full time but put on my covering letter that I only wanted to be considered if they would take me part time.

However, it was a non-class based (SENCo type) role so they didn't have to cover the rest of the time. I hated being non-class based so I now teach again, but work 9.30 - 2.30 (in an ARP class) so I can do my own school runs.

So, I definitely think you can tinker with a role to get what you want. I am lucky to live in an area with a recruitment problem though so it is an employee's market!!

[blackcoffee]

I don't feel that a permanent contract necessary represents security these days ...

[blackcoffee]

necessarily

[MrsHerculePoirot]

I e-mailed first to ask if they would consider part time for the right candidate and then based my application on that. My current job (secondary with responsibility) was advertised full time, but they allowed me to take it part time. I think with the financial situation being what it is, they get me doing the whole of my responsibility, but only have to pay me part time for it so it works. I imagine possibly more difficult in primary though...

[DuckandCat]

Thank you all, lots to think about!

I think I will call/ email a few heads of positions I'm interested in and see what they say. No harm in asking and keeping my fingers crossed!

[PatsysDouble]

My job was advertised as full time, but I included a covering letter saying I was looking for 0.6 - interviewed and got the job.

We are currently recruiting for science teachers and the field is not good when we advertise for part-timers. Far fewer people looking for a part-time job.

I wouldn't even phone ahead - I would just send in the application with a covering letter. They need to be able to see how good you are at the same time as you telling them you want fewer hours. They may well so no until they see what they would be missing!

Probably easier with secondary then primary, but there may be flexibility in the department that you don't know about (other part timers wanting more/fewer hours if possible for example).

Apply for everything going with a covering letter.

Good luck!