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Original poster

When to ask for part time hours

11 replies

swanny1969 · 16/11/2011 08:50

hi, I am about to apply for a job that is full time. I would prefer PT hours due to children and other family issues. Should I ask on application form or at interview if I get one, or should I wait to see if I am offered the job?? don't want to jeopardise my chances!
Thanks

OP posts:
Ellypoo · 16/11/2011 13:23

TBH I don't think it's reasonable of you to go for a full time job if you only want part time hours - they obviously want someone full time for the position.

That said, I guess that at interview would be the right time if that was the path that you wanted to go down - it would be easier for you to sell the idea to them face to face, and suggest ways that the full time role could be covered (eg suggest a job share unless you only want school time hours) - it's easier to explain the reasons why it's not only better for you but also could benefit them in that way.

If I had advertised for a full time position and I received an application from someone who only wanted part time, then I wouldn't interview them unless they seemed on paper absolutely perfect for the role and/or there weren't many other applications for the job.

posypoo · 16/11/2011 13:48

Someone at my old work applied for a full time job but said she was only available for part time hours at application stage. She got the job! I'm thinking of doing the same in the future, and will personally state at the beginning, or at interview, that i wanted part-time, mainly because I wouldn't the stress of getting the job and worrying about the hours.

An0therName · 16/11/2011 14:46

Really tricky - depends on your situation and what you think the organisation is like - I really needed a job but ideally wanted reduced hours- and at one interview I mentioned it; I didn't get the job, for which I was very well qualified for. I just have been offered a job and have negociatated 30 hours a week - I mentioned it when I was offered it -I would have been prepared to take it at full time hours - and also if you were looking for say 3 days a week that would be a much harder sell - whereas 30 hours a week is a bit different

flowery · 16/11/2011 14:51

Depends what you mean by 'part time hours'. If you mean 4 days a week or compressed full time hours and would expect to be able to do the whole job on that basis (and explain how) that's one thing. if you want to work 2/3 days a week and would expect them to significantly alter the job or recruit a job share, that's something else.

Original poster
swanny1969 · 16/11/2011 16:20

I don't think it's unreasonable at all to request PT hours, my last two jobs were advertised as full time the first I worked 22 hrs my current I job share at 18.5 hrs. I know it's a tricky one but I think employers are more open to negotiation and also how are working parents going to make employers think about PT hours if no one asks?? I am not sure what I will do, I guess fill in app form is a start eh!

OP posts:
flowery · 16/11/2011 16:29

What's the answer to my question OP? Is it 'do the full time job in slightly reduced hours and be able to demonstrate how' or 'want significantly less hours and probably either a job share or change to the job'?

If it's the former, after interview or (if it's not a dealbreaker for you) even after an offer would be fine IMO.

If you went through the whole process then late on announced that you were only interested if the employer could/would recruit a job share or change the job to suit you that probably wouldn't go down well, and would be best mentioned up front to avoid risking wasting everyone's time.

Original poster
swanny1969 · 16/11/2011 17:26

I think I would want to do as many hours as possible as I can use an after school club, but there is no before school provision, so 9 am starts are always tricky!! I think I'll fill on form and see how the land lies if I get an interview. Thanks tho

OP posts:
An0therName · 16/11/2011 20:18

How long would the commute be? if it was only 30 mins I would have thought many employers would be ok would be 9.30 starts - however you could look around for childminders or friends might be prepared to do a few - so you could say you could do them if needed

maybenow · 16/11/2011 20:22

i agree with flowery, it depends what you mean by pt.
compressed full time hours into 4 days = definiately ok to apply for ft jobs and not mention till offered or at interview if they bring it up
four days a week = ok to apply for ft jobs and poss mention at end of interview
three days a week = probably a bit cheeky and should probably mention it in the cover letter
two days to 2.5 = ridiculous unless you open with it as first sentence of your cover letter

confusedperson · 02/02/2012 10:09

I am so glad that I found this thread! The last post encourages me to apply for full time position with the hope that I can get 4 days/week job.

Spindelina · 02/02/2012 16:38

My job was advertised full time, and I went through this dilemma - I also need to be able to work from home for some of the time (it's a long commute, which would destroy me if I had to do it every day) and non-standard hours (to fit in with fast trains). So I asked about home working & flexible hours in the interview (which they were fine with), and then when they offered me the job I asked if I could do 0.8 FTE (4 days). They said yes, but I would have been prepared to offer 0.9 (4 longer days), or failing that full time.

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