To ask for flexible working / part time hours ahead of interview?

[BatBoo]

I've worked part time (3 days) since returning from my first maternity leave a few years ago. I also flex my hours around the school run, some days doing the drop off and other days the pick up. My employer is very accommodating. However, I've been at the company a long time and want a change. My role is no longer challenging me and I want to progress.

I've applied for something externally which was advertised as full time. The advert did mention something about flexible working opportunities under the company benefits section. As seems to be the case with a lot of employers these days they seem to have a focus on wellbeing and work/life balance.

I've got an initial chat later this week with the hiring manager. AIBU to mention that I would ideally be looking for part time (3 or 4 days) and flexibility around my hours? Could this write me off? Would I be better waiting for interview or even offer stage? Or is this wasting everyone's time if it's a no?

Would really appreciate views on this particularly from those of you in hiring roles.

Personally I would sent a vague email ahead seeing whether it's likely. Like I wanted to enquire whether it was a possibility before applying either way. What's the point for everyone going through the interview if it's not going to happen? I did this for a few roles advertised as full time. Half got back saying yes and half said no. In the end for various reasons I didn't apply for any of them and I applied for a full time post and just accepted part time is too hard to find....I got the job and they actually asked me if I would prefer part time! Lucked out there and said yes please!

Thanks for all the advice. It seems to be a mixed bag.

I won't offer the information up but if the hiring manager asks me outright over the phone about flexible working I will maybe discuss part time then.

And great to hear that people have managed to get a PT contract on jobs that were advertised as FT!