Job application etiquette

[Sunrae28]

I'm just in the process of applying for a new job it's been around 7 years since i've had an interview etc so feeling a bit unconfident with the process. The post is advertised full time but with a potential flexible working pattern. I wanted to talk to them about negotiations and possibly slightly reduced hours due to childcare. Do I email them before I submit the application to find out as to not waste their time if no negotiation or do I wait and ask at the interview ( if successful) or if offered the post ( thinking hypothetically). Just wondering what the etiquette is really as don't want to look cheeky and it going against me. TIA

This is a question that usually comes up in the 2nd interview, ime.

Apply and see what happens! Good luck.

Apply first - don't ask these questions until it's either raised to you or you get an offer.

Hmmm, tricky.
You could phone up/e-mail HR dept and ask them what they mean by full time/flexible working. It may be that they mean full time hours but involving working from home or that you may be able to do some hours in the evening.
If the interview goes well, then ask what they would mean by flexible working. There is a 'right to request flexible working' www.gov.uk/flexible-working but since you need to show how the employer could accommodate your request you would need to be working for them for a while in order to understand the job and how it could work for them and you.
I would save detailed negotiations about working patterns till you get the job. Good luck!

Save it until you're offered the post, unless they ask about it at interview.

Get the job offer first, negotiate after. But have an answer ready in case they bring up flexible working first during the interview process.

I like to sound them out before interview. I can't go to interview & be relaxed that I'm not being a CF unless I asked first and the response was encouraging.

I think I phrased it something like "Would this post be flexible enough to accommodate a 4 day/week work pattern?"

I went about 14 years between job interviews & got the job. Have faith!!

Thankyou for the advice everyone