Can I mention working part time hours at an interview for a full time role?

[user1471867483]

I work for the NHS and my contract role, which allowed me to work a four-day week to accommodate my care commitments, has ended. I've had to sign on JSA as I don't have a job plus there aren't many part-time roles available. I have two upcoming interviews for full-time positions (37.5 hours per week) that I applied for out of desperation. Is it appropriate to ask during the interview if a four-day week option would be possible considering my circumstances? Any advice on how to approach this delicate topic without jeopardising my chances of getting the job?"
TIA.

You can always ask-nothing ventured and all that. They will probably say no though

If you are offering to work compressed hours over 4 days then it will hopefully be more acceptable than asking for true part time hours?

I thought you were meant to wait until you were offered the job then say you want to be PT? Do you have union advice you can take?

I would personally wait until you’re offered the job and then ask.

No, I wouldn’t mention it at interview, don’t mention it unless they offer you the job.

They might have 2/3 good interview candidates, if the others want full time then you’ll have automatically ruled yourself out.

Are you wanting to work 37.5 hours over 4 days or less hours? If the former you could ask if there are set hours/core hours or can they be worked flexibly, said in a way that doesn’t sound like you are asking for flexibility just trying to work out what the hours are. If you need less hours then there’s no guarantee that they can offer fewer hours because they wouldn’t be advertising for 37.5 if they wanted 28/29.

I've asked part time hours for a full time job, it's risky as I've been turned down for it, but also been accepted....

No, I wouldn't even ask. There's a reason they advertised for someone full time.

In the NHS it’s perfectly acceptable to contact the recruiting manager in advance and ask if there’s possibility of part time. It happens all the time

No. Get the offer first and then you can negotiate on hours.

This. Get the job and if offered enquire bout flexible working or reduced hours

I will do and thank you 👍.

If I interviewed someone, offered them a job and then they came back with a request part time hours, I would be livid.

Wasting my time in this way - unforgivable.

I agree with waiting till you have the job offer.

Does the advert say anything about- part time, compressed hours or is it JUST full time? Is it a role where compressed or flexible hours might work or more rigid such as ward work/12hr shifts?

Edited to say could you join an agency in the interim?

Just ask is there a number on the job advert you can ring
echoing the above poster I’ve previously spent a lot of time selecting and interviewing then just before the home straight they say they want PT back to square 1 and complete waste of everyone’s time

This. But I'm not NHS. We'd have wasted hours of time and effort by that point and you'd screen yourself out.

100% agree

Thank you ALL for your most helpful replies. I might email the person who put the job as out asking if there's any scope on a four day week before I attend the interview. At least I can withdraw my application so I don't waste their time and hold out for a job that's right for me.