Job Interview: When to tell?

Mrs2DUCKSinLOVE

I had my first interview and I was planning on telling the manager at the end. But then she said they have one more interview (after me) and 2nd round interviews next week. Yikes. When should I tell them I am due at the end of Jan? I want to be honest, but not deter them from hiring me (I know HR laws prohibit that..but I am sure they will find a reason..) I need this job and am nervous...any suggestions? Thanks!

holiday819

you really don't have to tell them that you're pregnant, i know you want to be honest.  you can wait until you get the job to tell them.  i just got a new job too and was worried about when should i tell them and DH said you really don't have to, its like stating the obvious that you're a woman.  if it comes up, it comes up. 

Doodle2011

I am interviewing too, mainly with recruiters, and I have been telling at the end of the first interview.  And honestly, I don't think my "full disclosure" act has been rewarded and I have NO bites, and a great resume and work history.  I would suggest waiting until the end of a second interview, so you know you are a true candidate in the running.  Some say don't tell until you get an offer, but that just rubs me the wrong way.  I think it's sneaky.  My sister, who does a lot of hiring, tells me I am shooting myself in the foot trying to be honest, and that most employers do not want to know, and don't care, assuming you are coming back to work after the leave and not just getting trained and up to speed and never coming back.  Long and short of it- I don't have the answer but I am in your shoes!

RachelMarie83

I wouldn't tell them until you are signing the contract for the job.  I was turned down for a job over the summer because I tried to play the honest card and was told by the superintendent of the school that it "was not in the best interest of the school to hire someone who would need to take a maternity leave."  While I understand where he was coming from, I am at the point where I need to do what is best for me and my family.  I have been screwed by the system too many times.  My advice is to protect yourself and your family.  If they really like you and offer you the job, they will get over you not telling them up front.

nurseJK

I say wait until end of second interview. You want them to fall in love with you first is my logic. I like you feel like it is really dishonest not to tell at all then just announce needing maternity leave in 2 months (or whenever). I feel like it could make for an unpleasant working environment. Maybe that is dumb but I do think end of 2nd interview is better than 1st. My interview yesterday was a year from the second, lol, so it was the third? I don't know. I think it depends a lot on the situation, type of job, etc too. Is this position where a big project or busy period takes place over your leave? If not, I would worry a lot less about it personally.

Mrs2DUCKSinLOVE

It is a job that requires a ton of training and I can see long hours and intense deadlines. I will probably wait until they offer the job. Yikes..I don't' want to be sneaky.

MichelleL1118

Honestly, I would wait until I had an offer.  It may not be the most upfront approach, but I'd rather them just speculate rather than be able to use it as an actual reason not to hire me.

houndbaby

I wouldn't say anything until after you have been hired

honey740

Waiting until after they offer isn't sneaky, it's smart.

Mrs2DUCKSinLOVE

Thanks ladies! Your insight is invaluable!

CarolinaNiki

Mrs2DUCKSinLOVE:

It is a job that requires a ton of training and I can see long hours and intense deadlines. I will probably wait until they offer the job. Yikes..I don't' want to be sneaky.

I don't think it is sneaky to wait until the offer. Think of it as part of the negotiations, like anything else. They make their offer to you, and you counter that you'll accept with the condition that you will take X weeks off for maternity leave at the end of January. Think of it as if you had to let an employer know that you have a big trip already planned or something of that manner.

lauraleither

I am in this exact same boat and I totally agree about being honest and telling up front.  On my application, where it asked why I was leaving my current position (where I work 9pm to 5:30 am) I put I needed a day shift.  So last week, they called to question about that and if I'd be able to work late ever and be on call ever and I explained that I was pregnant and that's why I needed a day shift and I would be willing to be on call and work late occasionally.  Then she said oh ok, well if they call you for an interview have some questions ready to ask them. 

 SO they did call for an interview this week and now it's set for next week and I was debating whether I should mention it at the interview since it may be other people than who I talked to last week.  DH said I shouldn't worry about it and that it's more or less obvious, plus technically I've told someone so the ball is in their court now.  After reading these posts, I think I'll agree with DH and the other posters that it's sort of like stating the obvious and rubbing it in.  I should just be natural and focus on my strengths and whatnot.