Applying for part-time jobs

[kmg1]

I've been SAHM for 6 years, and am now looking for part-time job. Two suitable jobs were advertised; I phoned up and queried the hours, and personnel said they were flexible. I duly applied and got interviews for both (separate organisations). For both had good interview, then right at the end they suddenly come up with working hours which are of no interest/completely impossible for me:- e.g. 1-5 pm daily.

I am cross that my time has been wasted in this way ... and their time too. Do other companies work this way? Surely most people applying for part-time jobs have restrictions on the hours they can work? They seemed to expect me to be so grateful to have a job (tough economic situation in this area), that I'd agree to anything they suggested!

Can anyone offer any advice?

Kmg,

What sort of job? I'd suggest that perhaps smaller companies might be more understanding, perhaps clerical work, mornings only.

Otherwise, public sector, who often allow flexible hours, and are starting to introduce term-time only working.

Hi Easy! Admin/clerical/secretarial jobs.

I'm not that bothered about a company being 'understanding' or 'flexible' - I am a very good worker, have always in the past done a fantastic job, and have glowing references. I want a contract I can commit to, and at the moment I don't want to work full-time. I do have quite a lot of flexibility, but I don't want to work til 5 pm every day, (could do two days til 5 pm if necessary). If I state this bluntly on an application form, do you think it comes across very badly?

KMG,

just caught up with this, sorry.

IMHO larger companies (the ones with personnel or HR departments) generally don't like you to try stating your own hours of work, and see it as someone who won't co-operate with lots of other things, even tho' we know it doesn't mean that at all.

The reason I suggest you look at smaller companies is that you tend to get first interviews with the line manager, and get to state your case direct, rather than thru' the third party (the HR person).

It's just my experience of 20 years working. I'm sure there are HR officers on here who will do me down.

I sell children's books and the hours are completely flexible and it is based at home.

You literally do as much as you choose, there are no targets to meet, you go where you want, when you want.

I have worked with this company for 3 years and I really love it.

If you would like more info, just drop me a line

Tracy
[email protected]

Do you not realise that your constant advertising on here is making at least me decide never ever to buy anything from Usborne books? I wouldn't mind so much if these posts were not the only thing you contribute to Mumsnet.

Should we all spam her

Prufrock - What's that all about???? I can't see any mention of Usborne books here.

I work for a company that will be starting recruitment for at-home workers in The Guardian on Mon 22 September. The job is audio typing for an international company which already employs over 200 home-based transcribers worldwide. This isn't a scam, I promise, but a genuine self-employed opportunity. The company is called Smith Bernal WordWave (see their website by clicking here ). If you miss the ad, give me a shout and I can forward you the details.

Hopefully this isn't seen as advertising, just me trying to be helpful...

M2T -check out meTracyH's previous 10 posts, all of which say exactly the same thing!

SuzyJ - I would be interested in this..can you post more details?

Suzyj - I'd be interested too. Will it be in the Guardian on Monday?

TIA

KMG1 - I want back to work when dd was nearly 6 months old (now nearly 11) and I wanted to do 3 full days, the company wanted 5 1/2 days. We compromised on 4 working 9-4 (at interview) but I have now reduced down to 3 days, same hours.

On my application form I stated my 3 day wish but also stressed that I was flexible in working hours.

I think sometimes companies think they want someone in everyday when really, with discussion you can both come to an agreement. I am lucky in that MIL looks after dd so am very flexible in covering extra hours for hols/sickness etc.

Maybe you could start with the existing hours and put your plan forward to what you want?

Must say I struck lucky here, very family friendly firm

Suzyj, I, too, am interested in further details.

Thanks!

Easy, I am the HR person you knew would respond . I didn't realise that I was in the minority of HR people who go to bat for people who need part-time or flexible working hours and who believe that the business shouldn't need HR people to do their interviewing for them if they have been properly educated about the process. I think the they should be trusted to select whomever they want, on whatever arrangement they want (so long as they don't overpay and screw up my salary review process ). Maybe HR is done differently in UK?

easy and others - thanks for your response.

suzyj - thanks for your info too - will be buying the Guardian on Monday!

Hi aussiesim

I am only going on the limited experience I've had with HR personnel in the past. It sometimes seems they're so concerned with protecting their own backs, they don't go out on a limb to help anyone else. REALLY don't mean to offend, I need all the friends I can get right now.

Oh and I know a lady who works in HR, and she is the most officious, overbearing b*tch you could meet, perhaps that has coloured my judgement