When would you ask about working pattern?

[FrostHardy]

I’ve had a career break due to an overseas relocation and one of my DCs needing support through illness.

I’ve got quite an unusual skill mix but I’ve seen a job that actually suits my career history. It’s full time and a commute (about 90 mins one way). I’ve got 3 DCs and a DH who is away for work most of the time. I’m considering emailing the recruitment contact and asking if there is any flexibility in working pattern (eg some wfh). Is this an irritating question at the application stage? Should I apply and only raise it if I actually make it to interview? Full time in the office plus commute would be a struggle long term

Interview. If it's a company /place where WFH isn't really a thing, then you'd be moved onto the no interview pile by asking beforehand.
I'd also imagine that if such a "perk" was on the cards, it would say so in the ad.

Absolutely ask right now. Why waste time if it isn't going to work?

Thanks @SoIinvictus and @Georgie743 I agree, I don’t want to rule myself out or waste time! I’ve been having a read of some of their strategy docs, employee flexibility is mentioned but I imagine it’s dependent on the team

@FrostHardy Hiya. I had pretty much this exact experience recently. Job ad matched my quite niche skill set. Said it was fully in office. I applied anyway. Did the interview process and only when offered the job did I ask about flexible working. They agreed to me actually being fully WFH! I figured if they’d said no, then I would have just declined the offer. And chalked the whole process up to gaining more experience in interviews etc.