HR gurus - advice desperately needed

[MEMsmum]

Well, they say timing is everything! In my previous life I had my perfect job working in a particularly specialised field. Having my two DD's didn't change that much and I managed to continue working part-time. Even once we relocated due to DH's job I carried on working in my field as a freelance specialist completing work on projects for my former employer, working around DD's increasingly busy lives and having DS. This work eventually came to an end when I completed my reports. As there was already a specialist in our new home area, I found it difficult to find work in my chosen field (yes, really, my work is so specialised) - though I am aware that there are opportunities I missed.

So when I started to go stir-crazy being a SAHM (no slur on SAHM - it just isn't for me!) I started temping. I'd done a secretarial course after my degree - which just goes to show how long ago this was in the days when such courses existed ! I now have a permanent contract and work part-time 2 days a week but am currently on long-term sick leave.

Now, since we moved here there have been 3 jobs advertised broadly related to my field - I was interviewed for 2, but didn't have the requisite experience in specific areas, and for the 3rd couldn't work full time at the time. I'd more or less resigned myself to not working in my field again. Then this week on the jobs forum, up pops a job that would be perfect. It's part-time, back in my field and absolutely perfectly suited for me. Now I really, really want to apply and will, but I have a couple of dilemas which I could really do with some advice for:

1. the job is only being advertised for 2 weeks; to me this smacks of "internal candidate lined up for job & we're only advertising because we're legally obliged to". I have experience of this myself as that's what happened in my current job. What do you think?

1. more serious - as I've said I am currently on long-term sick leave. Even if I'm offered the job I cannot see a way of starting until the autumn once my treatment has finished. So, do I own up to this on the application form? I'm phoning the contact given on the job description tomorrow to ask some general questions and won't mention anything then, but should I add something to the bottom of the form (it's an on-line form with space for the "tell us why you're perfect for this job")?

1. (so much for a couple of questions!!) what's my position regarding my current employer - I'm being paid while I'm on sick leave and they are incredibly supportive. I would not like to short change them in any way - if I was offered this job, I'd resign immediately despite not being able to work.

Gosh - this is long! Any advice gratefully received - am so cross that this job didn't turn up 6 months ago or in 6 months time!

Hi MEMsmum

I sympathise with SAHM stir craziness. and I'm intrigued as to what field you're in. Must be very specialised indeed.

1. It could be that there's an internal candidate, or perhaps they just think that they can get enough decent applicants in that time. I've recruited recently and only had a 2 week window for that reason. There's no way of telling, so I wouldn't let that influence whether you apply or not.

1. Don't mention your sick leave on the app form. Wait until you're offered the job. It will probably put them off interviewing you (although it probably shouldn't), but once they've met you (and decided you're the perfect person for the job, of course ) they might well be able to find a way round the issue and wait for you until your treatment is over.

1. I don't know on this one - I'm sure somebody more knowledgeable will be along soon!

Good luck with the job and your treatment

footstep

Thanks Footstep! My work is museum-orientated - not a huge amount of work available, and when you're tied to a geographic area it limits you even more.

Will take your advice and keep my fingers crossed .