How to apply for this job

[AmazingGrace16]

An ideal job has come up. It was also advertised about 4 months ago. The job advert is very vague in some aspects which tells me that they could be flexible and are just looking for the right candidate. Especially as it has been advertised before. I'm currently on mat leave and wasn't due to go back to work for another 8 months. This job start is January which is too early for me. If I am the ideal candidate how could I approach them about the start date? On application/ before application/ at interview?

Bump

When would you be able to start? Would you have to pay back any maternity pay to your current employer?

April probably. Yes I'd have to repay omp.

I would apply and go from there. If they ask you about notice then you could say you would be available in March - you don't have anything to lose.

January is only 2 months away. I don't know what sort of job this is, but the standard notice period where I work is 3 months, and I know some people who have 6 months in their contracts.
So an April start date for a job advertised in November would be quite reasonable, and January would be unlikely!

Sorry, that doesn't actually answer your question!

I would apply for it and then if they offer it to you, you can negotiate the start date. If they are holding out for the right person, they are more likely to be accomodating than the "we need someone in ASAP" recruitment processes