Applying for new jobs - when to ask for part-time hours?

I would be upfront. You can say "I think I am a perfect fit for this job but I want to be honest that I am looking for part time work. I hope you can still give me a fair chance in the interview so I can show you how I am worth it"

I’d wait until I was offered the job. They’ve decided they want you then. Before then I’d worry it’d be an easy reason to choose someone else over me.

I’d be upfront, sometimes the internal HR person or recruiter asks anyway. I’ve just started a new job where I said I wanted to do 4 day compressed right up front and was transparent throughout the whole process and I think it helped to be honest. Would you accept a job if you got that far if they wouldn’t give it to you part -time? If not no point wasting yours or their time. A place you would want to work and would respect you will also respect you when you say that from the beginning.

I would be upfront because a lot of employers might look at it as sneaky and untruthful if you keep that from them until later in the hiring process. Just let them know you feel you're perfect for the position and you hope they will give you the opportunity to prove that regardless of whether you work full or part time. If they are really against a 4 day a week schedule, you could also offer a compromise and suggest one wfh day per week. That way you don't have to pay for full time childcare, but you also let your company know that you are serious about the job and are willing to be flexible. After you establish yourself at your new company, they may be more willing to work around your schedule or drop the wfh day eventually.

Presume you’re therefore only applying for part time roles? If I was hiring for a full time role I’d expect someone to do full time hours.

At interview…when asked if you have any further questions…’I’ve really enjoyed our conversation and think I’d be a great fit for your team, I wondered if you would consider part time hours for the right candidate. The reason I ask is that I’ve got a young child and whilst I really value being in the workplace, a part time role would allow me to bring the best to all of my roles’ or something to that effect! I asked and was given 4 days ☺️ if it comes up before that then ask them then. I had already had a chat with the hiring manager and made her aware that that was my intention, she pushed 5 days but I was cheeky and asked at interview anyway and they agreed!

I would mention it at interview personally. That gives you a chance to wow them and then they have the choice whether to offer it to you or not. I wouldn’t wait until it’s offered because they may have told other candidates no and then that leaves them in a mess. They may also get another person at interview who also wants part time hours and could split it?!

If you haven't already, look into Job sharing :)

I have interviews tomorrow

As a recruiter, you should be upfront about it, it would reflect poorly if you only brought it up later on.

If a role is advertised as full-time, I would let the company know at the time of applying that you are seeking a part-time role. Otherwise you are likely wasting everyone’s time interviewing for a position which may not exist. I wouldn’t disclose the reasoning though, as it opens you up to discrimination.

potentially true, but I’d rather work for an organisation that knows my full background and is supportive than an organisation that rejects me on the basis of having children. Rejection means protection eh ✨