Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Work

Chat with other users about all things related to working life on our Work forum.

Original poster

Should I ring them up before the interview to discuss this?

34 replies

Severalus · 16/02/2023 20:25

Got an interview for a decent part time job but they specify 'a flexible attitude to work pattern' as essential in the job description.

I'm not really very flexible due to childcare and other issues. I can swap days sometimes but I can't change my hours or do lots of extra shifts. It was probably stupid of me to apply but I liked lots of elements of the job so I took a chance hoping it would all work out.

I need to respond to let them know whether I'm coming to the interview or not. Would you ring them and put your cards on the table about availability or just wait until the interview to bring it up? I'd rather not do hours of prep work for the interview and waste their time if flexibility is a deal breaker.

OP posts:
watchfulwishes · 17/02/2023 08:59

I would only discuss my limitations if offered the job.

Ask a question about 'please could you explain specifically what flexibility you mean' but I would act as if it was fine at that stage.

If offered I would discuss whether they had any flexibility around the flexibility iyswim. Or turn the job down at that point if you know it won't work.

Never give an early reason to think you are not the best candidate.

Original poster
Severalus · 17/02/2023 09:38

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Just an update to say I rang them to clarify what flexible means and as I suspected it means once in a blue moon so I wouldn't be wasting their time by attending the interview after all, we could make this work.

OP posts:
MabelMoo23 · 17/02/2023 09:48

I had this very recently on an interview for civil service where it said it’s a full time role - now I have young children in school and actually full time doesn’t matter to me as long as it flexible.

so I emailed the hiring manager and basically asked the question saying I absolutely appreciate its full time however what is flexibility like because I have caring responsibilities and I want to ensure something would work for both parties.

got a lovely response back saying that flexibility not a problem as quite a few people have caring responsibilities and they would welcome my application and we can discuss, and she was really lovely about it.

I’ve now got to the final stage which is an informal chat with the Board Chair.

so there is nothing wrong with dropping an email to enquire because if you can’t make it work because they have zero wiggle room then you aren’t wasting their time or yours - although that said, every interview you do is good practice.

if they’ve got wiggle room, it won’t be an issue but they’ll appreciate the transparency because if they haven’t got wiggle room for flexibility and you can’t do what they need then at least you know.

MumOf2workOptions · 17/02/2023 10:01

@Severalus

I'd go for the interview and see what they say as all interviews are good experience

They might be employing more than one person and have hours to suit

If they particularly like a candidate they might accommodate to a certain extent or meet you in the middle

If it's a decent job and you like the sound of it - can you not organise some childcare?

WeCome1 · 17/02/2023 10:04

Severalus · 17/02/2023 09:38

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Just an update to say I rang them to clarify what flexible means and as I suspected it means once in a blue moon so I wouldn't be wasting their time by attending the interview after all, we could make this work.

Great!

Good luck.

MabelMoo23 · 17/02/2023 10:09

Severalus · 17/02/2023 09:38

Thanks for your thoughts everyone. Just an update to say I rang them to clarify what flexible means and as I suspected it means once in a blue moon so I wouldn't be wasting their time by attending the interview after all, we could make this work.

Fantastic. You can go in now with a clear mind and not worry.

Good luck!!

Original poster
Severalus · 17/02/2023 10:18

Thanks so much for the advice and support everyone, this board is always so helpful.

@MabelMoo23 Good luck with the final stage Mabel, hope you get it!

OP posts:
greydeadweight · 17/02/2023 10:29

Severalus · 17/02/2023 10:18

Thanks so much for the advice and support everyone, this board is always so helpful.

@MabelMoo23 Good luck with the final stage Mabel, hope you get it!

And they will be impressed by your honesty, trust is important and someone who tries to manipulate a situation leaves a bad taste - which is something good companies don’t tolerate anymore.

icelolly12 · 17/02/2023 10:31

Good luck with the interview!

New posts on this thread. Refresh page