Requesting compressed hours at job offer stage

[Elleobee]

Hiya,

I have been recently applying for jobs and have always mentioned at the first interview that I would ideally like to work compressed or slightly reduced hours over 4 days. I've never got beyond the first interview which may be because of this or maybe I'm not right for the role. I have just done the final interview (3 in total) for what I feel is a dream job and haven't yet mentioned 4 days as if I was offered it and it could only be done in 5 I would seriously consider taking it even though 4 days is my ideal. So not a deal-breaker. I'm now wondering if I should even mention the 4 days at all if I get an offer. It's a small company in a growth stage and very busy so would I annoy people if I asked or is this part of the negotiation stage? Better to wait and request flexible working after I've proven myself? Even if this doesn't work out it would be good to know for the future. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a million!

Definitely do not mention this at the interview !! Always wait until there's a job offer on the table.

Thank you @Underscore21 . At the start I felt like I was being dishonest doing this but maybe it's best to get the interest first. If I get an offer at some point I genuinely worry about bringing it up at this stage though. 😬

Your strongest point is when they’ve decided they want you but you haven’t yet accepted, ask then.

If this is a small private sector job it might be tricky but I did similar with the civil service. I applied, interviewed and had a provisional job offer. I waited until all pre employment checks where completed and then requested 4 days. I told them I was willing to do 5 but if 4 was possible it would be helpful as I was returning to work after being on maternity and it would be the ideal transition. They approved it! No harm in asking at the end as long as you state you are willing to do 5.

Offer stage is the perfect time to ask. They've already decided they like you so they're more likely to consider it. They're less likely to say yes to flexible working once you've already started.

My current job was advertised as full time and when they offered me the job I asked for part-time. I've been here for 4 years now, happily working part-time!

It is really annoying when we offer a job then we're asked for wfh or hybrid working or condensed hours. None are available so we say no, then they refuse the job and it would save so much time if candidates just ask before they apply or at interview.

Thanks for sharing everyone and I can see both sides. More power to negotiate but also could be viewed as wasting their time if they can't make it work. Great to hear those who have managed to negotiate fewer days though!

I am still willing to do 5 but still a bit torn whether to even mention the 4 in case I sour things even though I would love the 4 as I have a 1 and 3 year old. But if you don't ask you don't get argh. Will end up winging it if I'm fortunate enough to get an offer at some point 😂. All speculative of course but prefer to be prepared!

I think you should mention it up front, as you have been doing, to save wasting everybody’s time and that includes your own. You have not got past first interview previously because many employers won’t want this but that won’t change just because you have had a couple of interviews. You might as well weed out the ones that won’t allow it sooner rather than later and accept that it will put many off.

Some of these answers are odd. Either 4 days is ok or it’s not. It’s going to piss everyone off if you wait till offer stage and say hey can I work part time. So just say I’m happy to work five days, curious is 4 days compressed is possible?

If it isn't a deal breaker then you should ask. But ask, not push for! It's only really difficult if someone asks and it is a deal breaker - and after we have said it is full time. In your case it sounds like a preference, so it's worth asking - or, if they aren't sure it will work, offer a trial period with a promise to revert to 5 days if it doesn't work for them.

Interestingly I Just got a new job and on the application form it asked if I planned to make any flexible working request (standard full time office job).
but in your case I’d wait until offer stage as it does stand you in better favour if you’re their preferred candidate versus being one of many applicants

Honestly? As someone who recruits for a private company my eyes have been opened by interviewees. This would be be a massive pain in the arse for us when the whole interview process is already time consuming and stressful enough.

Thanks again all. I think people's experience varies and from hearing from others too it depends on the role and company. Appreciate all the advice 😃

Once you have been offered the job then ask and if you can say you are flexible about which day is NWD I.e. Fridays are very popular, Wednesdays less so,

Thanks @Princessglittery 😃