Applying for a full time job but only wanting part time hours?

[beela]

I currently work 18.5 hours a week. I don't really want to increase that massively, if at all. However, the vast majority of jobs in my profession / industry and at my level are full time.

I have seen a job advertised that I would really like to apply for. However, it is advertised as a full time role. Do I:
a) ring the organisation and ask if they would consider an application for part time/job share
b) complete the application form and mention it in the covering letter
c) don't mention it until I get offered it (assuming I did!)?

I did a) and got the job. However, there was a reason why they were willing to bend over backwards to accommodate me- the job turned out to be a nightmare! But if it's specialist and you know your stuff no harm in asking 🙂

I would do a).

A.

I originally thought a).

A friend suggested c), but if I was recruiting and someone did that then I think I'd be a bit irritated!

So then I thought I would maybe send in my application so they could see how brilliantly I would fit into the role but also be upfront about things at the same time. Perhaps I should just ring for a chat.

Having worked in management and recruitment for many years, I'd go for A or B....definitely not C! I don't know the individual circumstances, but if I encountered someone doing C, I would be so pissed off! Especially if they were perfect for the position. Go with A because if you sell yourself well during the conversation and there is room for negotiation of hours, they will let you know.

I'd do a) - in fact I did! But I was able to offer 28 hours a week plus flexible working so extra if needed, so can you rethink what you could do?

Thanks for the responses - really helpful.

Titchy yes I could potentially go up a bit on the hours. Our youngest DC will start preschool in September so I could be a bit more flexible then..... and once I factor in my 3 months notice in my current job then I'd be halfway there, so that's worth thinking about, thank you.

I don't know what childcare plans you have for school holidays but I worked FT in holidays, on the basis that someone else was looking after them, and fewer hours in term time.

I'm going to against the grain and say C. If you are a good candidate and the employer thinks you are right for the job then you make your case when your negotiating position is strongest.

If they have advertised a FT role and you say right at the start you want PT you are excluding yourself before the starting blocks. Call up and it won't be a decision maker who will answer; it will be whoever is administering the application process. No room to manoeuvre.

It might piss off the HR people (and I used to be an HR Director) then so be it. If it's right for the company then they work around it.

Good luck