XP: job interview question

*MrsMac

DH has had some incredibly bad luck with jobs since we got our BFP. He's never been fired for anything. It has always been strange circumstances. He's been laid off, ditched, one boss committed suicide, and his most recent boss replaced him without notice.

I've got an interview for a vet tech position soon. Do I tell them right off the bat that I'm pregnant, or wait until the end of the interview? I know that they can't legally say the reason that they didn't hire me is because of pregnancy. I'm more than qualified for the position, I'm just terrified about actually getting it. We definitely need the money right now. Any advice on how to handle the interview?

MrsD1

Normally I would say be honest up front, but since you are in a very tough position with both of you being unemployed and a baby coming soon, I would suggest not revealing that you are pregnant in the interview. Sure, we would all like to think that employers would not discriminate against us pregnant women, but the reality is that if they have dozens of qualified people interviewing for the job, they aren't going to pick the pregnant woman who will need to take maternity leave right away in 3 months. Just my opinion.

Athena0809

I'm really interested in seeing the responses you get to your post...I got laid off today and I'm nervous about getting out there in the search for a new job while pregnant. Good luck to you, sending good thoughts your way

darmca

I have a post-grad in HR and I'll be the first to tell you- never tell in a job interview that you are pregnant. That's personal medical information that employers have no right to know until you need your mat. leave. They shouldn't ethically ask, and you shouldn't offer the information- it puts them in a bad position of never knowing if you the other applicant was really better than you, or if they were subconsciously discriminating against you.

 I would not tell. I had an interview at almost 3 months and now that they know it's not a problem. 

ccorso

I am an HR Manager - as much as I hate to say this...don't tell the person interviewing.  It is none of their business at this point.  You should never really divulge your family status at interviews.  There are employers out there who will hire others, even if they are not as good a fit, if they know that you have children - which means other priorities.  Yes, it is illegal...but employers will do it by saying the other person was a better fit, had more experience, etc. I am thankful that I don't work for such an employer...but they exist.  

megan1019

Are you not showing? I could never hide it at this point. I went through this at 13 weeks when getting my new job. I did NOT tell them at the interview. I did tell them when they offered me the position. I then told them how it would not interfere with my work schedule & how I had child care covered after delivery. I wouldn't tell them at the interview (if you can hide it) but I would tell them if they offer you the position. I didn't want it to seem like, I was "hiding" anything.

*MrsMac

megan1019:

Are you not showing? I could never hide it at this point. I went through this at 13 weeks when getting my new job. I did NOT tell them at the interview. I did tell them when they offered me the position. I then told them how it would not interfere with my work schedule & how I had child care covered after delivery. I wouldn't tell them at the interview (if you can hide it) but I would tell them if they offer you the position. I didn't want it to seem like, I was "hiding" anything.

I'm not very big at all. I have yet to receive my first stranger comment. It really depends on what I wear. My big dilemma with telling or not is that it does interfere with my ability to work a little. I would not be able to take x-rays. I want to be as honest as possible, but I also want a fair chance at the job. I would most likely tell them as soon as they offer me the position.

karakel

If it is going to interfere with your ability to complete the job requirements, then I think you should be upfront with them.  If not, they can fire you after you are hired for not being able to complete the essential responsibilities of the job.

xenia2708

Well i have a slightly different view on this. Being employed in the HR field for the past 6 yrs in a big company(having experience in Personel &Compensation, Emplyee/Industrial Relations) and being the holder of a B.A. in HR, i strongly believe that honesty is the best policy. First and foremost,

1. it is illegal to discriminate against pregnancy, so you don't have to worry about that

2. If you have a good balance of experience and qualification, an employer would want you wether you're pregnant or not.

I think it is best to be as honest as possible to an employer since it can come back to haunt you in terms of mat. leave and time-off to attend doc visits.

My cousin was approximately 7 mts pregnant when she landed an job interview with American Airlines. She did get the job, since she was very qualified for the said position; and they even made special working arrangements for her until after the baby was born.  

Think about it very carefully......your 25 weeks preg., not 15