applying for full-time job & suggesting 4 days

lethal0r

I have an interview tomorrow for a full-time, 5 days a week job. Ideally I would like to work 4 days a week as I am also self-employed.

Is it a done thing to ask them if they would consider hiring me for just 4 days a week? Would they think straight away I didnt really want to work for them?

cazziebo

depends on a number of factors - most important being how much they want to give you the job.

How much competition is there for the position?
How difficult is it find the skills/qualities required?
Can the job be done effectively in four days (taking into account need for communication, continuity, team spirit etc)
How urgent is the requirement to fill the job?
How will the demands of your self employed position impact on this role?

If you can put forward a good case then I'd consider it.

PasturesNew

Many employers hate the idea that an employee has another job or is self-employed too. They think you're likely to let them down in some way, or won't be that much into doing your best for them.

I'd not mention it until they offered the job, then negotiate.

But it depends what the job is, it might not be possible at all. It will depend on their industry, other staff, the role/tasks, their standard hours, etc. How much teamworking you have to do/how much covering of others, whether somebody else would have to cover your job on the 5th day etc.

cazziebo

Good point from Pastures New. You're in a much stronger negotiating position once you have the offer (or nearly have the offer). Ask in the first breath and the answer is much more likely to be negative...

lethal0r

a bit more info. they already know I have my own work. but to counter that the job is in internet marketing - I would expect a good proportion of the applicants to have their own websites on the side.

I have been doing exactly what they want for 3 years and I am confident I would be one the best candidates.

Plus I have another interview for a similar job on friday who I could ask the same question.

pasturesnew why do you say to only mention it if they offer it to me?

ahh cazziebo just said why!

SomeBozo

There is no harm in asking. It just depends if operationally they need you there 5 days.

Bozo

poker_face

lethal0r wrote: »

a bit more info. they already know I have my own work. but to counter that the job is in internet marketing - I would expect a good proportion of the applicants to have their own websites on the side.

I have been doing exactly what they want for 3 years and I am confident I would be one the best candidates.

Plus I have another interview for a similar job on friday who I could ask the same question.

pasturesnew why do you say to only mention it if they offer it to me?

ahh cazziebo just said why!

Depends on what they are after. I have had experience with some employers being put off with interviewees working other jobs. At the end of the day if they have a 5 day a week contract to fill, they are going to be looking for someone to work 5 days a week.