Is it ever wise to attend an interview for a full time job when I want part time?

[user1471867483]

My 11 year contract role finished last month (it couldn't be renewed). I've just made a fresh claim for JSA. However, the role I was just in was a four day week. This suited me perfectly as I could accompany mum to regular medical appointments, plus reaching 54 reducing my days was like a special 'treat' for me. However, now that I'm unemployed, in haste, I've applied for a few full time roles as I don't know what the job market is like out there! Ideally, I'd like something part time. Should I hold out for this or take any job, full time or not, if offered? I have an interview this Thursday for a full time role, but I don't know if I should go 🤷

Attend the interview, ask around flexible working due to family commitments. If you are the right candidate for them and if you like the role. You and new employer could come up with some arrangement. Good luck

I agree. There are many reasons to request flexible working. If you’re the right Candidate and can be accommodated then it can be agreed.

Go, if only for the interview practice. Better to get a reasonably suitable job now than get forced into applying for unsuitable ones by the DWP job coaches in the future.

Yes, of course! I work PT and asked when they offered me the role. It's a global company headquartered in a very family friendly country so it wasn't an issue that I requested 4 day week.

Thank you. It's an admin job in the NHS. It doesn't say anything however about flexi working, but just straight 37.5 hours straight and I don't want to mess them around.

I was interviewing for part time last month and at least 2 candidates admitted in interview they were only looking for full time. I’d say it’s not unfair to apply, but if you’re asked for interview I’d bring it up at that point, not while sat in the interview room. If they’ve got scope for it to be part time they may interview you anyway. If they’re not then they won’t waste yours or their own time interviewing you.

This happens all the time in the NHS. My NHS role was advertised full time. I work 4 days.

Agree a nhs gov job you can probably negotiate compressed hours or part time but only if the service provision isn’t 5d a week face to face supporting a clinic. Worth applying and then asking about any flexibility once interviewed. Or just getting into NHS admin sucking up full time for a bit then seeing in any other roles pop up. Much easier to apply from the inside

I did, got the job and negotiated to three days a week. They were actually pleased as they could employ the lovely woman who came second. We did this informal job share for five years, covering the other's annual leave etc.

Well, whether rightly or wrongly, I've emailed the interviewer (as there is a contact name on the job spec for any queries after all). I said I wanted to be honest and transparent and mentioned my circumstances have changed etc and that I am a semi care-giver at home and I don't want to waste anyone's time at the interview etc regarding the hours. Just have to wait and see if they reply.

If you think there is a chance you may be able to negotiate part time hours then go for it.

To be honest you can never trust job adverts. I once went for a role advertised as full time. The interview went well then they blindsided me by asking if I would consider part time or job share. I declined because as a single ithe salary would not have met my expenses. I told them how misleading I thought they were being in advertising a full time job (rather than full time/part time) and then attempting to change it to a part time one. Their excuse was that they had a full time colleague on mat leave who wanted to return to a part time or job share. Guess who would have got the worst tasks and the shitty hours? The new person of course. I refused and sent a strongly worded letter to the head of department.

Well, I emailed the interviewer and she said it's defo a 37.5 hour week! She said she shortlisted me because of my experience and to apply for roles soon to come up in the near future. Glad I was transparent and honest as seriously I would hate to have wasted their time.