When to enquire about possibility of part time?

[OrangeSunset]

This has probably been down to death but.

I’m about to start job hunting. When should I ask about part time? I can only work part time, so don’t see any point wasting anyone’s time applying for roles that have no scope. Therefore my logical head says to find out before applying but know the reality might be different.

Examples

One role that says in then intro ‘this role is full time’ and then further down the ad ‘open to flexible working’ with HR contact details.

Another is tagged full-time, part-time, flexible.

The most transparent says ‘this role is full time, part time applicants will only be considered as part of a job share’.

So, should I contact first and see if PT is at all possible or go through application and poss interview then make an ask? Seems a waste of time when I know what my red lines are.

What do you mean by "part time"? How many hours are you willing to do?

In my FT interview I asked about PT and I got it. I felt cheeky but I was in a job I liked but no longer loved so I was able to play a little hardball so it wasn't too bad if I didn't get the role. Turns out my new employer had lots of interviewees that weren't right and it saved them a bit of money if worked 3 days rather than 5.

Note I have had an interview where asking about PT went down like a lead balloon and the agency lady was furious I'd wasted everyone's time.

I’m available for 0.6 on 3 days (study commitments on other days).

In spontaneous applications I have put this in cover letter.

I just feel like the right thing is to play with a straight bat as it were. As someone who recruits, I would find it really frustrating to find an appointable candidate who it later transpired wasn’t available for the full requirements of the role.