Interviewing Etiquette - Opinions Please!

Re: Interviewing Etiquette - Opinions Please!

• Monsieur_et_Madame_Ha member

  October 2012

  PrivacyWanted:

  I think the best course of action is generally to make them want you enough to offer you the job, and then ask for any special accommodations (whether it's a maternity leave, or shortened work week) 

  Exactly. I wouldn't bring it up until they make an offer. 

  

  

  Farewell, nesticle, you will be missed

  

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• jlaOK member

  October 2012

  I think it varies greatly with the type of company and how you are applying. If it is a large company and you applying in the traditional way of applying for an open position then is wait until after you have an offer. If it is a small company with flexibility or you are inquiring into positions through an acquaintance then it may be okay to discuss prior to/during the interview process. 

  

                                                

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• jf198400 member

  October 2012

  I am in the Exact same situation as you!  My DS is 7months.  I love my 4day work week, but I hate my job.  I am willing to give it up and go back to full time if I can find a better job.  One of my requirements for switching is that the commute has to be better.  Right now I commute an hour each way, so I am limiting my search to jobs within 30mins.  I figure the extra hour per day will help make up for the extra work day.

  I honestly don't think it's really possible to ask to start a new job PT when they are looking to fill a FT position.  I am asking about whether they have flexible hours and the ability to work from home occassionally.  My hope is that if I start a new job and prove myself, then after a year or so I can ask whether they would be open to PT.

  The only situation where I think it would be acceptable to ask about PT is if you are looking to switch positions within your current company.

  
  
  
  
  

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• danieliza1127 member

  October 2012

  If it's going to be a condition of whether you even want the job or not, then ask if they offer any type of flexible scheduling like 4 days on and one day off or telecommuting/working from home.  Don't specifically ask for it, just ask if they offer it as part of your general questions when they say "do you have any questions for us?". 
  

  
  

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• Netty_3 member

  October 2012

  Negotiation items like a 4-day work week are typically saved for after the job has been offered.

  

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• FemShep member

  October 2012

  I agree with PP-ask in a general way if they offer flexible hours or the ability to work from home occasionally. 

  Depending on what you do and the company's culture, asking to work only 4 days a week may be fine or it may be a deal breaker. I'd ask about flexibility in a very general way first. For me personally, I would not be ok with a 4 day workweek for a new employee, and if a potential hire I loved brought it up, I'd love them a bit less and also suggest we evaluate it after the employee's first 90 days.  

  

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• 1026pumpkin member

  October 2012

  During the interview, I would casually ask if they offer any opportunities for flexible work schedules (shorter weeks, telecommuting, etc.) while you're asking other questions about the position.  When you actually have an offer on the table, I think you could bring this up.  If they are looking for a FT person, they might not be ok with 32hr M-Th, but might be willing to do 4 10hr days or half day Fridays.

  ;

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