Working part-time: a roundup of expert advice

[Md. Anikuzzaman]

Employers are becoming more open to part-time and flexible working hours: Although there can be a stigma associated with flexible work, this is reducing as more and more people are honest about it. If you work full-time but want to go part-time, set up an initial chat with your line manager or HR department to find out what the process is. You aren't committing yourself at this stage and it may be that your employer is more open about it than you think.

Many women effectively trade their skills in return for flexibility — taking a job that is very local or very part-time for which they are over qualified. The more senior roles that have school hours are few and far between, so you may need to think more flexibly about what you can do – for example, longer hours for fewer days, requiring some childcare but not full-time.

Tailor each job application, even though it is a part-time role: Although it can be a challenge to find a part-time job, it's not impossible. It might seem like a lot of work but once you get the hang of tailoring your CV and cover letter it shouldn't take you long. It's much better to send out 10 tailored applications than it is to 100 general ones.

Balancing work and study: One option is to seek a role where the employer is happy for you to attend a training course with their support – although there would need to be some benefit for the organisation and you may need to make up your hours. Another alternative is to find regular part-time work, rather than the temp work which doesn't offer the flexibility to have the time for studies. Or find a training course which offers distance or flexible learning.

Think about your finances: If you are looking to take on temporary, part-time or casual work, you need to consider the financial implications in the first instance. If you're dropping your hours to part-time then you can expect a drop in income. Be realistic about how this will affect your lifestyle and do the calculations before making the commitment. If you have a temporary role there is no harm in scanning other job opportunities so you can see what else is out there.

You should expect the same benefits: The fact that you are working part-time doesn't mean you should be treated less favourably than your colleagues. Your rights are the same and you should still receive the same benefits, such as bonuses, performance-related pay, car parking, childcare provision, health care etc. If you can demonstrate that you have over-performed or exceeded expectations, there is no reason you shouldn't be eligible for pay rises.

Know your rights: Part-time and full-time workers should not be treated differently in terms of pay or working conditions, especially if the reason you have chosen to work part-time is connected to your childcare responsibilities.

In terms of what is considered part-time, really it's anything that's less than the full-time role. This can sometimes make the issue of employment status tricky. If you have any concerns about your status as an employee, take a look at the HMRC website where you can take a short test to find out whether you're self-employed, a worker or an employee.

If you are offered a job but the hours don't fit in with your responsibilities, you can always make a flexible working request. The employer should agree to this unless there is a genuine business reason that prevents them.

Negotiate shifts with your manager: If you cannot find a suitable part-time job, try applying for full-time roles and then negotiate a four-day working week. If you know you can do your job well in four days, think about how you can demonstrate that to a prospective employer and have answers prepared for any objections. You could meet with the recruiting manager for an informal chat first so you can discuss your proposition and avoid getting rejected at the first sift.

Sarah-Jane Butler is the co-founder of Parental Choice which provides information and advice on flexible working and childcare.

Flexible working may not always be an option: Although I agree with the approach of requesting flexible working, sadly many employers may see it as black mark against you. It may be that there is no genuine business reason to turn it down but in many HR departments they just can't see how flexible working can realistically work.

Use childcare services to fill in the gaps: Trying to combine being a mother and looking for a new job – let alone training and going out for interviews – can be exhausting. Think about what childcare is available to you before you find a job — it will make it easier to set out what hours you have available.

Part-time work or temping can be a stepping stone to full-time employment: Working on a part-time or full-time temporary assignment is a good way for both you and your potential employer to assess suitability against what you are looking for. If you are prepared to be on standby for a number of recruitment agencies on the days you are free, you could take work from them on a day-by-day basis. Be honest with your preferred recruitment agency on what days and hours you are looking to work.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/careers/working-part-time-expert-help-advice