To ask about work pattern before interviewing?

[cluelessjobhunter]

I've been offered an interview for a job listed in the advert as 20 hours per week (flexible) - no work day pattern was specified.

Reviewing the job pack I now realise it says further inside the document this is to be worked over 2 or 3 days per week. I would like to split it over 4 days but not sure how/when to raise this to ask (ie in my interview RSVP message, or during the interview itself) or if I'm taking the mickey even asking when they have actually set it out, though I missed it. I don't want to waste their time but equally don't want to miss out if they might be agreeable... when is best to ask?!

I would ask first. It’s a sensible question, it won’t disadvantage you in any way.

Thanks @PurpleDaisies - I will ask, I feel clueless after being out of the job hunting melee for so long and don't want to mess this up!

From experience I wouldn’t ask unless offered the job.

Good luck!

IME these things CAN be a huge disadvantage.

I would ask at interview and not before

I think most companies would see 4 days as better than 3 as you’re frequency is better. Lots of people won’t do it because costs are higher to commute.

If you can do the 2 or 3 days, and four days is just a preference, I would wait until you have been offered the job before asking. I say this because you don't want to come across as needy and complicated at the outset (not saying you are those things, but you need to present yourself in the best possible light).

If the job isn't possible for you without the 4 day option, then ask beforehand to avoid wasting time.

Interview practice would not be “wasted time” for the OP.

Maybe not, but it would be wasted time for the employers.

Our company encourages you to ask before, and shouldn't disadvantage, it also recognises that many people won't like to and also shouldn't disadvantage if you delay.

Certainly bring it up at interview would be sensible. Just like you would if the flexibility hadn't been mentioned, the interview is part of the negotiation remember.

I disagree: “negotiating” at interview can lead to no job being offered due to matters raised, although you won’t be told the actual reasons!

Negotiation best done post offer.

Thanks all for the responses and advice...

@Loopytiles you've said a lot of the things I have been told when looking for work, which is why I was so uncertain over asking - it's a minefield knowing what's best to do. I don't feel I can be flexible on school hours so it wouldn't be a negotiating point (if that makes sense?).

I've bitten the bullet and asked - and they've already replied and said that's ok. Phew!

School hours are a deal-breaker for me so I guess as I can't be flexible on that it makes sense and is polite to be upfront about it. Having said that there is the worry it comes across negatively/needy etc which was my worry as to the perception of asking for something this early on. I would hate to waste their time as if I was employing I'd be fed up if someone seemed ideal but ended up not actually meeting the requirements and knew that when they came to interview, but on the flip side there is the "foot in the door" approach where they might be flexible for the right person. I find all this so difficult!

Thanks all for the advice and sanity check - now just got to get through the interview!

Good luck with it!

Thanks @loopytiles :)