Interview Advice!

malonc2

I have an interview for a teaching position next Monday in my dream district. I will be 33 weeks pregnant. Should I mention it? Not say anything? Tell them when they ask me to tell them about myself? I will still be on maternity leave for a few weeks at the start of the school year in September, but other than this I will be fully committed to the position and ready to come back, and this should not have any influence on my ability to do the job well.

Thanks!

Perfect Sonnet

I assume it would be pretty obvious that you're pregnant, so I think you should definitely acknowledge it.  Just say what you did above: you may not be able to start until mid-September, you'll be committed and all the wonderful things about your experience and education more than make up for a few weeks out.  good luck!

tarheelgirl8

Assuming you're in the US, by law they are not allowed to ask or even acknowledge the fact that you are pregnant.  That said, in my opinion, if you don't bring it up then it will just be the elephant in the room and they will be talking about it and wondering about it after you leave.  

If it were me, I would wait until the very end of the interview and then conversationally bring it up with the chair of the search committee or the hiring supervisor.  Something to the effect of, "So, you probably noticed that I'm expecting.  I just want to let you know that I am fully committed to my career, and my pregnancy/child will in no way affect my ability to be an outstanding employee and a great addition to your team".  I would definitely do this at the end of the interview though.  

mjpensyl

I am a teacher & recently had an interview for another job in the district. At the end of my interview I just told them, "As you can tell, I am expecting in August. Although this is an extremely exciting time for me, I am a dedicated worker and keep my home life and work life separate." They were super nice and supportive (may be because there were 5 women & 1 man and I'm sure the women have gone through it before). They were even asking me a bunch of questions like gender, baby shower, etc. and it turned more into a conversation at the end which really calmed my nerves.

I would be honest because most likely they will be able to tell. As DH told me, you don't want to be shady about it and then if you would get hired, it may set a bad tone since you weren't upfront initially. Either way, good luck and let us know how it turns out!

Miz_Liz

Completely 1000% agree that you have to mention it or it is just awkward. You can make it light too and say something silly like, "I know by now you are probably wondering if I just ate a huge lunch or when I am due....I am due in August but I have every intention of returning to my career after my maternity leave or I would not be here wasting your time. I am fully committed to my career..." yadda yadda....

Seed0824

If you don't mention it and it's obvious, they may wonder what your plan is and when you're due. By just telling them you're due this summer, you can put their mind at ease that you aren't going to start and then be out.

tylery

I agree with the rest of the mamas, might as well tell those who are interviewing you since its most likely apparent you're showing some baby bump.
I had an interview at 4 months pregnant (so I wasn't showing yet) but I felt the need to tell the supervisors interviewing me. I mentioned my pregnancy at the end of the interview, but also told them I'm determined to work. I ended up getting the job and currently been working there the last month and a half.
Wish you luck!

malonc2

Thank you! I'm feeling a lot less worried about the interview now and focusing on my family and getting ready for our little one if it works out, it works out!

cseley321

Good luck on your interview.  As the others have stated, be upfront with them.  

We had a lady who started with our company and was hired on but did not mention she was 6 and a half months pregnant.  We are a small company so this put us in a world of hurt that we could have prepared for much better for had she just been honest with us.