Interview protocal.

[winnie1]

I am endeavouring to move a step up a ladder and am in the process of attending interviews. What I'd like to know is when do I raise issues that need to be negotiated .i.e. 'flexible' hours. For instance if a job is advertised as being flexible so long as the agreed hours are worked between the hours of say 8.30 and 5.30 is it unreasonable to ask to start at 9.30 if travelling (on public transport) takes 40 minutes and ds cannot start nursery until 8.30? And, if it is reasonable when do I bring this up? At the interview at 'any questions?' or later once offered the job?

On a slightly separate issue is it ok to attend an interview for a full time post and request a job share or will that strike one out of the running straight away?

(Would like to point out I do ask questions other than 'how can I spend as little time as possible here?'

TIA

On the first question I wouldn't bring up the question of hours at first interview unless they do tbh. And even then I'd ask what they wanted in terms of hours and see if I thought I could do those, rather than stipulating my availability. Even if they said 'well, we don't mind as long as it's between xyz, I'd just say 'yes I can do that' rather than go into detail about hours. I think it's better to wait until you're offered the job and then negotiate - once you know they want you you're in a better position to bargain IMO. On the second question, I'd go for a full time post and then ask for a job share but only AFTER I'd got the job (unless it was advertised as a job share). I think first interviews are where you sell yourself and find out as much as possible about the company and subsequent interviews and offer letters are where you start negotiating. All imo of course!

I agree with Www. I think once you've got the job you're in a much more powerful position because in their heads they've decided you're the one for them and they may well go some way to keep that vision alive and avoid another lengthy and tedious recruitment drive. Best of luck, Winnie. I bet you will walk it as you always come across as a bit of a star. Are you looking to stay in your current place of work with a better job or to move onwards as well as upwards?

Thanks scummymummy & wickedwaterwitch. Your advice is really helpful. And thanks for the compliment scummy In answer to your question scummymummy I am, ideally, hoping to get a part time job along side my current part time role but if this proves impossible I will take a full time job elsewhere. I feel very committed to current role (I work for a charity) but I need a new challenge (and at the present there is no where for me to go where I am) and I am afraid we need more money too

Meant to say "Your advice is really helpful and makes complete sense"!

winnie, good luck with the job hunting. Generally I'd play safe and not mention hours or job share possibilites till after I was givent he job.

However, there is one way of finding out a bit more pre interview. Phone up the personnel department. Don't give your name (or give a false one). Say you are interested in the post but can they give you some more details. During your discussion ask about flexi hours and job shares. You might not get a full answer, but it could give you a better idea about company policy on this. HTH

Winnie I wouldn't leave negotiations on hours until after you've been offered the job because it could get you off to a bad start with your employers. They might think 'Why didn't she say all of this at the interview?', and will begin to question your honesty.
Ask them what hours suit them best and if they really don't suit you - tell them your ideal hours and what you would be prepared to consider if that wasn't possible.
What they offer at the end of the day will totally depend on who else has applied, how good you are in comparison and for most employers, the closer you are to full time the easier it is for them.

I think personally that I'd ask before I applied for the job or at the very latest before the interview. If they want strict hours then it's a waste of time to interview someone who cannot do that. It's the same with the jobshare- I'd ask beforehand

Thanks guys... food for thought certainly.
Tigermoth, you are devious Excellent idea. I shall do this first.

Can't improve on the excellent, vintage advice on this thread, agree with others that interview is the time to raise the question of flexi-time etc. Good luck Winnie, do keep us posted on how you get on.
Tigermoth,