When do you tell them that you only want to work part-time?

[nelliesmum]

Looking for a new job, there are no part-time jobs out there so I'm thinking that I will do the interview, hopefully get offered the job and then try to negotiate my way to 4 days or 30 hours per week. Is this a sensible way to behave? Don't see any point in admitting I want less than full-time hours at application, I don't think they'll even interview me.

God its depressing, isn't it?

I would go for interview, wow them, and then admit that you would prefer to work 4 days, with some positive suggestions as to how that particular job can be done by you in 4 days. You need to try to turn it around, so that they really feel YOU are the best person for the job, and that there will be no disadvantages to you doing 4 days. If it looks like you just want 4 days to suit yourself, without considering the impact on the employer, that won't look good.
As someone who fairly regularly interviews and appoints people to posts, I take a dim view of anyone who lets it get as far as being offered the job, so that I have turned the other candidates down, and then tells me they can't offer what I'm looking for. It;s happened a couple of times, and is time wasting all round, and also means that the person has jeapordised their chances of future employment should something suitable come up.
so, worth a try, but not after they've turned others down for you, and be prepared for them to say No, as if it's a full time post advertised, there's probably good reason for it. I wouldnt waste resources on appointing a full timer if the job could be done in 4 days! Hope that helps.

I agree with FindtheRiver, have the discussion at the end of the interview, when you get the "do you have any questions" line. As you are only wanting to go "slightly" part time it shouldn't be a completely no goer (in fact it can be useful to the employer as it is a way to save a bit of cash). But you do have to consider whether the job could be done in less days/hours, for some jobs being there is important (ie reception) whilst for others it really isn't a big deal.

I put it on the application form. I state somewhere on my letter of support that I am hoping they will onsider part time or job share arrangements.

I interview people and I prefer it if they're up front to begin with because as we all know, interviews can be stressful and time consuming. So IMO if it's a job where they need to have the post covered 5 days a week then no matter how good you are it could be a problem.