To apply for a job that I want in 12 months time?

[Petrovaposy]

A job has come up that I want, but it’s too soon for me. It is advertised for September, but I wouldn’t want to start any sooner than 12 months from now.

This is mainly because I am in the middle of a project that I want to finish at my current place of work, and also one of my colleagues is currently off on maternity and I would really be dumping my department in the shit if I leave at short notice while my colleagues is away. I am pretty confident they would not be able to replace me, we already are operating below capacity due to not being able to fill a position.

It would also involve relocating and I would want time to sort out my house before selling and to decide exactly which area I want to move to.

My job is quite specialised (hence recruitment difficulties) so it isn’t unheard of for employers to wait a few months (even a year, if employing a new graduate).

So my question is, when to reveal this? Shall I ring them next week for the ‘informal pre-application chat’ and let them know from the start that I would only be interested in taking up the position in 12 months’ time?
Or, should I apply and only share this information with them at interview stage / if offered the post?
I don’t want to annoy them, because if I am unsuccessful I’d still like to be considered for future jobs.

Thanks for reading.

With regard to location, as others have said, you can find a way around that. It would ring huge alarm bells for me if a candidate said they'd need more time to relocate. I would recommend not mentioning that. I'd probably rule a candidate out if they weren't capable of organising a relocation in that time - it doesn't reflect well on you.

On a more positive note, I think it's extremely honorable that you are reluctant to leave your current role until you see a project through. In some respects, this makes you a stronger candidate as it shows loyalty, respect and a grown up attitude. As can be seen from this thread, there are many many people out there that are only out for themselves and couldn't give a shiny one if they drop their employer/colleagues in the shit. I wouldn't hold a job for a job hopper but I might for someone who demonstrates commitment and loyalty. It all depends on whether they can cover internally, whether there are other candidates that are equally as capable and that could start straight away and finally whether you really are the perfect candidate.

Finally, recruiting now for a September start across the summer period (recruitment often stops at this time of year because so many are away) is extremely optimistic. You don't say what level you're working at but for a senior or specialist post, I'd go one further and say almost impossible (unless there's an internal or unemployed candidate). You might find that the recruitment process gets extended in which case your timeline will look less of an issue.

So instead you expect your chosen future employer to run under capacity for 12 months?
Don't bother wasting their time, imo, if they don't recruit they'll go out to advert again. By all means get in touch, but there is nothing more frustrating, when you are clear in advertising what you need, to then interview people who have decided to chance their hand with a list of demands that can't possibly be met. Waiting 12 months to start is ridiculous.

Nothing wrong in calling to register your interest in the company for the future if you are adamant you cannot leave your current role.
I would not go through the process and inform them at a later date. This may be seen as time wasting if the new job is unable to wait that long

I know you’re right, but I just don’t think I can do it. It’s public sector, not a company, and it’s not just my colleagues I’d be leaving in the lurch it’s the people we work with who use the service. If I leave suddenly it will have a big impact on our capacity to support the local community (and might risk delivery of a grant funded project)

Ifyou died or went off long term sick people would cope.

In a few months after you leave you become ‘somebody I used to know’ to most people.

Invest in yourself first.

You should put yourself first.
I learnt the hard way that companies will get rid of you in a shot if they want to.
I once worked for a big 4. One man in his 30s was the only person who could do his job. One weekend he dropped dead doing a sporting event. The firm managed.
Honestly you will be replaced.
Good Luck.

You could apply and let them know at the outset when you'd be available.

If moving location is important to you, with few opportunities available, apply and change your timeline for moving.

like a pp I learned the hard way to put myself first.

If you say you want to wait 12 months before being made a job offer, it’s probable you won’t be offered the job. Even post offer the answer is likely to be no.