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When is best to broach flexible working?

Catherine Fleming

| 0 Posts

17 Jan, 2017 09:21

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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  • Jan

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 09:52

    In a situation like this I would always try to leave such an issue until the last minute unless I am asked a specific question that requires honesty. The last minute could either be at the end of the last interview when you are asked if you have any questions or, better still, after you have been offered the job. It might seem a little underhand but better they now they really want you first and whilst you may not be able to take the job if they are not flexible, you may not have been offered it if they make up their minds too early.
    I am sure in your situation your prospective employer is a 'good' one and therefore will not be negatively swayed so don't let this response put you off!
  • Keith

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 10:04

    I would be up front and open from as early as possible. Leaving things to the last minute just seems like getting the relationship off on the wrong foot. A decent employer wont hold it against you and if they are the sort of employer who would then they will find a way regardless of when you tell them.

    Although it does depend a little bit on how essential flexible working is, if you cant do the job without it then I think you have to be upfront, otherwise you risk wasting yours and the recruiters time

  • Steve Bridger

    | 0 Posts

    Community Manager

    17 Jan, 2017 10:32

    Two different approaches ;)

    What do others think? I'd be interested to hear from people who have tried either of these two approaches during the job application process...
  • Robey

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 10:55

    To my mind, it depends a great deal on the degree to which flexible working is essential to *you*. If you absolutely need flexibility and can't imagine any way you could do the job without it, then by all means raise it at the start. You'll save yourself a lot of wasted time if the job's totally not flexible or not flexible enough.

    If, on the other hand, you'd *like* flexibility but can probably manage a less flexible role with help or an appropriate outlay of cash (on after-school sessions, childminders or other resources) then only raise it at the end of the process. That way, if you've stood out as the premium candidate (which of course you will have, being a member of this forum) your new employer will be keen to offer you the best deal they can to secure your services.

    Most employers, these days, will at least consider some degree of flexibility as long as they feel it cuts both ways.
  • Jan

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 10:56

    In reply to Keith:

    Agreed Keith, honesty is the best policy and would you really want to work for an employer that decides not to pursue an application because of such a request? However, experience from the other side of the fence has taught me that sometimes applicants are filtered out for the wrong reason despite the best advice from HR professionals. It may not necessarily be that the employer is inflexible, simply that they have a quota to interview etc and the employee needs to do all they can to be seen and assessed on their merits.
  • Jolene

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 11:32

    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.
  • admin

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 11:46

    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!
  • Jan

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 12:11

    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.
  • Jolene

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 14:01

    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
  • Jan

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 14:31

    In reply to Jolene:

    sorry, responding in haste!
  • admin

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 15:46

    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.
  • Jan

    | 0 Posts

    17 Jan, 2017 16:12

    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!
  • Steve Bridger

    | 0 Posts

    Community Manager

    17 Jan, 2017 16:15

    In reply to Jan:

    Please can people log in before posting... or it can be confusing to follow. Thanks ;)