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When is best to broach flexible working?

Catherine Fleming

So, I  managed to make it to round two of a selection process for a HR role. At this point I emailed the recruiter and queried whether their hours could be flexible for childcare reasons whilst in the same email confirming that I would be very keen to attend a second round.

I'm unsure if I've approached this correctly. Made me wonder when is the best time to ask about flexible working when applying for a new role?

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  • Unfortunately I'm inclined to agree with Jan on this. It would be nice to be able to be upfront about these things but when pitted against someone who doesn't require any flexible working it may be that you lose out on the job.
    I would probably wait until I was offered, then ask. Obviously they can still say no and turn the request down.
    It goes against how I operate in my day to day life but if it was a job I really wanted, I'm not sure I would take the risk of being so upfront about my flexible working needs. Maybe one day things will change.
  • in reply to Jolene
    Thanks for the replies. So far I'm not buoyed by my decision to query it after the first round! I received strong feedback from the initial interview so felt it was a good time to flag my need for flexible working (it's not a nice to have its definitely a need in my case but I thought you made a good point Robey) as they were obviously keen on me and I felt being upfront now, set the scene for a more open and trusting relationship. Plus I felt they may not be very happy about me witholding this info all the way through.

    Anyway, they have gone quiet on me. I do agree however that perhaps they are not the employer for me if flexibility is not at all on their agenda - shame though!
    As Steve suggested, would be great to hear any good/bad stories of others experiences as candidate or recruiter.

    Thanks all!
  • in reply to admin
    Hi Jolene

    I am sorry if we have made you question your actions. As Robey said, it all depends on whether it is a 'must have' or a 'nice to have'. As it's a 'must have', I doubt you have done yourself any harm as you couldn't accept a job without being open about it anyway.
  • in reply to Jan
    Hi Jan

    It wasn't me who posed the question; it was Catherine. I haven't yet been in this situation.

    Thanks

    Jolene
  • in reply to Jan
    Just an update in regards to my situation, the recruiting manager has got back to me and confirmed second interview plus asked what hours I can commit to. So.....seems slightly more promising in regards to their appetite for flexible hours. Thus far, asking about flexible hours at early stage doesn't seem to have gone against me. But we shall see.
  • in reply to admin
    Then well done, it seems you made a good judgement call. I would advise you to play on it slightly and make sure they appreciate you wanted everything above aboard and they would be getting a reliable and trustworthy employee even if you were concerned that raising it would put you at a disadvantage!
  • in reply to Jan
    Please can people log in before posting... or it can be confusing to follow. Thanks ;)
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