job application advice

[hatter]

hello everyone

I have two related questions. First, what do people think about applying for jobs advertised as full-time when you have no desire at all to work full-time. Do you apply and then ask at interview (if you get one) if there is any possibility of job-sharing or more flexible arrangements? or do you try to track someone down before applying to get an answer? or do you just keep shtum and hit them with it when (?!) they offer you the job? So few jobs are advertised part-time in my work that my chances of moving are severely limited, unless I do apply for f-t jobs.

The other, related, q, is what do you do if the info on the job-description is not really adequate for you to know if you really want the job? It's the same options really - try to talk to someone before applying or raise your qs at interview or afterwards? It's a bit of a bug-bear of mine that the job market in my sector is so bloody competitive that the recruitment process is totally one way. In my dh's line of work it's considered a two-way process of information-sharing, skills- and wants-matching. But my sector can afford to be extremely arrogant and assume that everyone qualified for the job will want to walk over hot coals to get it. I think the older you get the more discerning you get and, obviously, having a family makes you that way too.

In actual fact - just to complicate things - the job in question is with an employer where I have interviewed for a job before and I'm slightly worried about blotting my copy-card. Last time my heart was definitely only half in it, and when they asked me to interview at a day's notice I told them it was out of the question because of my children. They chased me though and arranged a brief telephone interview at which I am convinced that my lack of commitment came out - I asked lots of questions about the job and the answers were not what I wanted to hear. I didn't get it. (which, obviously, may have had nothing to do with my apparent lack of commitment - maybe I just wasn't up to it!) So I'm particularly concerned about seeming like a time-waster.

What do you think guys?

wow, just seen how long that was. apologies

Not sure about f.t. Are you working now? Could you do ft for a bit and then hope to hold out for flexible hours?
In my experience whenever I have tried to find out info before the interview it has generally been scanty and half hearted and only when they see you face to face as a serious candidate do you get the full picture. However, you have an existing relationship with this employer and this rather changes things, I'd definitely approach the most sympathetic of the people you dealt with there to find out more. This employer was obviously keen on you, keen enough to set up a telephone interview to accomodate you, which also demonstrates the ability to be flexible on their behalf - a good sign. The last job wasn't right for you, but there is a chance this one might be. I'd have a chat with them and go for it. Good luck whatever you decide.