Would you go back to work full time (new job) with intention of negotiating part time / flexible working once you are in the door?

[blissieblue]

Am considering it - just wondering if others have done / would do?

Besides, the right is to request flexible working, not (unless the law has changed recently) to get it. You would need to have a contingency plan in case the request for flexible working is turned down.

But can I apply for full time jobs and expect them to consider part time / flexible working or does that rule only apply to those already doing a full time job and looking to reduce hours etc?

Realise that this "right" would be quite academic

You only have the right to request once you've been employed for 26 weeks, so as long as you are ok to do 26 weeks f/t first then why not. Plus have a contingency if they say no as MadBad says.

if you want to just ask the question initially, no harm in asking although no legal right or framework to do so.

If you want to apply for jobs and see if you can negotiate flexible working immediately, I would advise not asking or mentioning it until at least 2nd interview stage, make sure you have already 'wowed' them. Also consider public sector if you have a choice about where you can work, there tend to be good flexible working policies in place and a more open mind than lots of other places about different ways to get the job done.

Would you feel comfortable taking a full time job on the expectation of it being full time and then asking for part time hours? It would be obvious that was always your intention, or at least something you had thought about as an issue when applying for the job. Its dishonest and does not start employment on a good footing.

I would agree completely with flowerybeanbag. Be honest immediately, once you have got to second stage, it may be there is a chance for job share, which they can consider if they know at the time of appointment as they are already recruiting and wont have the additional expense of re-advertising.

Agree with flowery. If you're going to request flexible working, then make sure you make a really excellent impression to begin with. You need to convince them you are the best candidate for the job. But be honest about where you stand before they offer you the job and turn other candidates down.

Tricky one. I have a job-share. i returned to work initially as a temp. When a FT job was advertised, I was able to identify a potential job-share partner within the office, and we approached the line manager to seek his views. Firstly whether the employer's recruitment policy would allow a job-share to be considered even though the job hadn't been advertised as such; secondly whether he felt the role was suitable for a job-share. Between the three of use we drew up a proposal as to how the needs of the post could be fulfilled. Only then did we both apply for the job as individuals, attaching the job-sharing proposal. You have to understand that there are implications for the employer as well as for yourself.

Yes I would do it, but not be too blatant. for example, I'd wait as long as possible (a year?) before trying to negotiate it. It helps if you go in somewhere where you know there are others doing a 3 or 4 day week.