Communicate recently supported one of our FTSE-listed clients in their search for a candidate to fill a job-share role at a senior level, where the incumbent planned to return from maternity leave but hoped to secure part-time hours, so we were engaged to find a high caliber individual with a complimentary skill set to work three days per week.
The response to our advert was staggering.
Companies are forever attempting to attract and retain top talent by tabling the most competitive offers, with generous salaries and other non-monetary perks common-place, however, it is becoming evident that there is a growing trend amongst candidates seeking to secure a job share or a role with flexible hours.
The reason these roles are so popular stems mainly from the fact that they allow for career progression to continue whilst ensuring a good work/life balance. A job share provides the flexibility and reduced hours that come with working part time, something that is especially attractive to working parents but also leaves room for growth.
Despite being highly sought-after, job-share roles are typically difficult to come by, particularly at the senior end of the market in larger organisations. This is due to the fact that to ensure their success, a business will have to find two candidates who not only possess the desired skill set and cultural fit with the wider business but can also work seamlessly together, which can be challenging. If, however, a company manages to create the perfect partnership, they will find it easier to retain staff and can also greatly benefit from having the variety of expertise and experience.
So, how do you find a job share?
Show off your skills
Communication and cooperation are essential for ensuring the success of a job share. Although the advancement of technology is making sharing a workload easier, you will have to be able to demonstrate to your prospective employer that you possess these skills. On your CV and in an interview, ensure you highlight examples of working cohesively as a team and show how you would guarantee the smooth continuity of your shared responsibilities.
Put forward a plan
If you are already in a role that you love but want to reduce your hours and gain some flexibility, then your best bet is to approach your boss with a considered plan of how you think the job could be shared. Outline all of your full-time duties, explaining clearly how you feel they could be split up and suggest processes that could safeguard the ongoing success of the position. Be sure to stress that you are keen to remain at the company and hopefully, if you are a valued member of the business, they will be open to your proposal.
Register your interest
Whilst you should, of course, check job boards or LinkedIn for available job share vacancies, it is always worthwhile registering with recruitment agencies and clearly indicating your interest in hearing about any upcoming shared positions. Knowing that demand for such positions is high, clients will approach their search for a part-time candidate in the same way they would for a full-time equivalent, so will often reach out to specialist agencies with a wide and varied network of candidates. By putting word out into the market that you are interested in this type of role, you will be a recruiter’s first port of call when a position does arise.
If you are interested in pursuing part-time (or full-time) roles in the C&I qualified finance space, please contact our consultants, Sarah, Kieran and Sam for permanent roles and Luke, Declan and Alice for contract positions.