What should I put on my application?

[partialsoup]

help, I work job share and have found a job I'm interested in applying for at a local council. the job is full time but they need ppl to start as soon as possible. I'm guessing most ppl will need to give at least a month's notice if they are employed which I think most ppl will be. unfortunately I need to give 3 months notice. im 56 and this new job is probably my best opportunity to get a full time job that I can hopefully keep until I retire at 67. but what should I put for my notice, im scared if I put 3 months my application will be rejected. should I put a month and hope I can negotiate a quicker entry from my current job??? help!!!!

Put 3 months but state you will try to negotiate a shorter period should you be successful.

I think you are right to be concerned and I’d probably put “one month” and then negotiate. And they can’t actually make you work the notice period anyway!

Thanks, I'm just worried they will just bypass my application arrgghhhh

As you’re applying to a local authority, they won’t be able to discriminate against you due to the length of notice you have to give. It’s always best to be truthful and demonstrate you’re flexible enough to negotiate a shorter period.

Do you have to put a number? If it's a free text box I'd put 'negotiable'.

They can certainly take it into account, that is why they are asking. It's not discrimination as it's not a protected characteristic.

Got a job offer late January with a district council and if it’s any help managed to hold out for 2 months (very cheeky) seeing occupational health and self paying for dbs though there were 2 posts going. They wanted to take current reference and for me not to hand in notice until final confirmation of job offer until after that reference was taken just then the start date preferred gave no leeway in further notice without me doing something I should know better. Offered job 23rd January and should have started 30th March.

hello for anyone who replied to my post, I didn't get a job interview. I know my application was good and I had everything they wanted. think putting down 3 months notice pit them off.

Ah I’m sorry if it is any consolation the horrible job market of private sector want someone to start like yesterday. My 5 weeks notice v’s 1 week on the employers side just breathtaking.

Sad if I was to go off sick my current public sector employer would accept my notice same day.

A council is the most horrible to work for. 6 months ago if truly underperforming they could have brought the contract to a natural end but no. Have a pip as extended training of one of the newer lines which I have only been on since February. Yet to hear how they can include weekends and bank holidays into increasing total time off during sickness.