Job Application/ Interview - Potential Part-Time Working

[EllieQ]

I need some advice on the etiquette of asking about part-time working for a potential new role before/ during an interview.

I have applied for a job which is described as ‘full time (37 hours) with the potential for part time to be considered’ or words to that effect. I submitted the application but forgot to mention that I would prefer part-time working (I currently do 0.8 FTE in a similar role, but with less responsibility and lower pay).

I have been offered an interview for the post (which really surprised me as I didn’t think I had the right experience), and I’m not sure what to do about the part time working issue. Should I mention it before the interview, on the grounds that there’s no point going for an interview if it’s not an option? Should I ask about it at the interview? Or should I go ahead as if I want the full time role and if I do get the job, ask about it then?

This is the first time I’ve done a job application for over ten years, so I was completely out of practice and don’t know what’s acceptable. I work in the public sector and was able to go from full time to part time when I returned from maternity leave without any issues, but that’s quite different to asking about it beforehand.

My DD is in primary school and 0.8 FTE works well for me and lets me have a decent balance of work and school run etc, so I’d prefer not to change it. Current job and new job are both WFH so no commute issues to consider.

See if it’s raised by the interviewer, if not bring it up as early as you can in the interview to scope out what the options are. I’d mention during interview not before.

Do the interview. If you wow them and they want you, you have a much better chance of negotiating. Good luck!

Don't mention it yet, Go ahead with the interview then when they ask at end if you have any questions I'd raise it then.

Good luck

Thanks everyone! I will mention it at the interview rather than before, and see how they respond.

Mention it in the interview, towards the end. By that time if they've already decided you're the ideal candidate they won't want to lose you. Good luck OP

Having worked in recruitment, I would mention it at application stage, before interviews. Some hiring managers either can't or won't accommodate part time and will be pissed off to waste time interviewing someone who won't be offered the role.

If they hadn’t mentioned that they are willing to consider part time, I would agree it needs to be mentioned at application stage. But as they have already said they are open to PT, I don’t see why it can’t wait.

You're right, that's my bad, I missed op saying it was an option in the advert.