Job advert says full-time - should I apply knowing I want part-time?

[MamOfTwo]

I want to apply for a job that appeals to me - I have the skills, experience required etc - but the advert states it is a full-time role and I only want part-time at the moment (two young DCs). Is it worth me emailing to ask if they would consider me as part of a job-share? Not sure how to word email?? Or should I apply and if I get an interview, negotiate then? Don't want to waste their time or mine. Anyone done this or should I just forget about it?!

First question, what do you mean by part-time? Half the working week? 3 days? 5 short days?

If they wanted part time they would be advertising part time.

I have a friend who successfully negotiated part time hours by just applying for the full time job and negotiating afterwards. She impressed them at interview, so they were willing to negotiate. That was a medium sized business though, I'd imagine a business of that size maybe has the most flexibility on things like that - small business might find it too expensive to contemplate, whilst huge businesses might generally be inflexible.

To be honest I wouldn't worry about wasting the company's time - if they decide to employ you and it all works out, it has been beneficial to both of you. If they offer it to you, but then decide they can't accommodate your part time request, it is no different to them offering the job to someone who declines it for some other reason (eg change of circumstances or they have found another job since they had their interview or whatever). I wouldn't feel bad about it at all.

Actually, on thinking about it, I know quite a few people who have done this. Its very rare in my area to see a part time job advertised at all, so anyone wanting part time really has to make themselves seem attractive and then negotiate.

go for it, what have you got to lose?

I did this - it worked for me!
You've nothing to lose by applying..

I did that. I sent an email first asking if part time might be an option and they replied yes. It turned out someone who was in a slightly junior role was looking for an opportunity to take more in, but didn't want to jump in full time. I job shared with her. It's always worth asking. Send an email outlining your skills and experience (sell yourself a bit!) and you might get lucky.

It's worth a punt.

But beware of looking as if you know their set up better than they do IYSWIM. If you are experienced in the type of work, and can show how the role can still be done in more flexible ways than the way they have found successful to date, then you stand a good chance.

I'd be wary of trying to persuade them into job share, though. If your other half left, and they could not find a matching new sharer, you can be made redundant. And tbh, finding matching other halves is a PITA anyhow. Much better to look at part-time hours, compressed hours and/or flexible location.

Thank you for the replies and advice. I think I am going to go for it! Thanks again.

Go with a plan if how you envisage it working so you're presenting it as a workable solution, not just something you want them to do for you.

I know two who've done this. .

Funnily enough both of them are men and they didn't bat an eyelid at the thought of asking. They asked once offered the job. I think men are more confident that way

I've applied for a full time job, was upfront about my 4 day week and got through to second interview. I didn't get the job in the end (got to final two). I'm going to apply for more roles which are full time.