Can I request part-time hours for a position advertised full time?

[MarmotMorning]

Just that really and any advice on how to go about it?

I'm applying for a job at the place I already work - public sector.

The job is full time but due to childcare I need part time hours.

Should I put it on the application form or wait till after interview? Should I try and discuss it with HR or the recruiting manager before interview?

Also what is the process should I be the preferred candidate at interview? What are their obligations?

Thanks to anyone who can help me with these questions.

Most public sector jobs have to be advertised flexibly unless there is a strong business reason why they can't be. So I would make absolutely sure that they've not got it wrong. Discretely.

I would always suggest becoming their preferred candidate before discussing working patterns. Or you won't get a look in. It shouldn't be like that, but it is. In this case, I would be inclined to suggest that you raise it by saying that your childcare has just changed and to take the position you would need reduced hours. Again - not ideal, but the system makes other approaches impossible.

However, if they have a good reason why it can only be done full time, then if not bother. They won't change their minds and you will get a reputation as a time waster.

Personally ask before or at the very least at the interview and I guess it would depend how part time. If it was 30 hours instead of 35 might not be an issue but 16 out of 35 would mean they would need to employ someone else.

Wait until it is offered. Then you at least have the chance to negotiate.

I think it depends what you mean by part time, and whether you are able to propose how the job they've decided is full time will be done.

If you want to leave slightly earlier, or want 4 days a week rather than 5, and feel able to reassure them how that will work, that's one thing. if it's a full time job and you want to work 2 days and for them to come up with how that will work, that's a different thing.

Hmmm I currently work on very part time hours for the same organisation so they will be suspicious anyway if I put in a application for a full time job.

I could increase my hours but probably to 22 max. I need to be able to do the school pick up and drop off. Ideally I would also like one non-working day a week.

It could be a difficult choice - my current job is much better paid, fewer hours but high stress, expensive commute. This new job is something I'm really interested, no commute but will likely have to do more hours.

Just do it and see. They should be separating your details from current job for now. Plus applications are blind

Have you thought about how the new job would be doable on the hours you want?

I think they'd have more sympathy with pick ups and drop offs than with wanting a day off a week. That might make you seem not very committed.

Thanks for all the advice it's really helpful. The additional day a week off is due to other family circumstances but it depends how much detail I'm willing to go into with the recruiting team. Hr know why I would want the additional day and would likely be sympathetic but I don't want to be seen as 'difficult'

If you get hired it is because youre the best one. Therefore its in their interests to suit you.
Im currently waiting to go into my interview so perhaps shouldnt be commenting...

I do a lot of recruitment applications are not blind (might be in public sector). If I needed a full time person I'd hire the best person who could do the job full time. Unless you come up with a magic idea that wouldn't mean I'd need to reallocate the extra work to others or hire an extra person I'd consider part time. Anything less than 28 hours would be a considerable issue in resourcing and a waste of everyone's time. Do you know anyone that you could job share with as that's a solution?

My own personal experience (although as a lawyer in in private practice) is that I’ve never been turned down for wanting to work 4 days a week instead of 5.

I always brought it up before the interview. I have been offered three jobs this year alone. Most good employers aren’t that bothered as long as the work gets done.

I don't think your concern should be about how much detail to go into about why you want part time, or whether HR would know and be sympathetic. Your concern should be about how the job will actually get done in the hours you want.

Are you confident it is possible, or would you be expecting them to move workload elsewhere/recruit a job share? If you think you can do the job in the hours you want, are you going to be able to explain how you plan to do that/reassure them about concerns they may have?

If you're not able to present a viable workable solution, then no amount of detail as to why you want reduced hours is going to be persuasive to them!
Persuading an employer to accommodate the hours you want is much more likely to be successful if you can explain how in business terms you can make it work with minimal impact on the organisation and your colleagues.

flowery- yes this is a good point. If I make a proposal based on my ability to do the work in part time hours it will mean im given a full time workload. And it will be difficult to say something cannot be completed due to time pressure.

My current part time job was advertised as such so it's reasonable to expect a proportional workload.

I think that if I want this other job I will have to do near full time hours (30 hours?) Or find a job share.

I did - and I got the job. They said they wanted the right person for the job and that was more important than the hours - lucky me!