Interviewing while pregnant did not go well.

SummerMama12

I had an interview last week, and after 2 phone interviews, I was pretty confident about being a great fit for the position.  They even told me I was a great fit for the position and were very excited to meet me.

Well, after meeting me in person (I'm visibly pregnant), they emailed me and told me they wanted someone with a different background.  I can't help but think my pregnancy had something to do with it. Of course they could never say that, but really.  If my background wasn't the right fit, wouldn't that have come up when they reviewed my resume or during the 2 phone interviews prior to the face-to-face?  The background they said they wanted and mine are so different; it's something you would have known from the get-go.

I'm so annoyed that they wasted my time (I had to take a day off work for the interview), and I am feeling really discouraged now.  I don't think I will be job hunting again until after the baby is born. 

racampbell1

That is so frustrating, I'm sorry.  On the other hand, maybe you don't want to work for this organization if that is their attitude about pregnant women, kwim?  Best of luck in your search, whenever you decide to continue!  

shouldbworkin

I can see if from both ways.  It sucks to be in your position and feel that you are a good fit for the position.  But, they may need consistency and even a 6 to 8 weeks maternity leave might not work for them a few months down the road. 

gy86

Pregnancy discrimination is very real and unfortunately very widespread.  Have you thought about contacting your local EEOC office and filing a complaint?

While it is illegal for an employer to choose not to hire you because of your pregnancy, they can choose not to hire you in spite of your pregnancy.  However, because you said you'd been given previous assurances of how good a fit you were, I think it would be wise for you to report this.  Do you have any documentation, such as email correspondence or interview notes, where you can reference what feedback you got, from whom, at what time etc?

Even if they can't settle your particular case or get a job offer back on the table, every complaint the EEOC gets is recorded and can serve as a "red flag" for historical puposes, such as if this company develops patterns of regularly not hiring pregnant people or is in noncompliance of other workplace law such as refusing to make reasonable accomodations, not granting leave time, etc. 

EMOmamma

I'm sorry, I know you were really excited after the phone interviews went so well.  Hopefully you'll find something even better.  

jupiterthecat

shouldbworkin:

I can see if from both ways.  It sucks to be in your position and feel that you are a good fit for the position.  But, they may need consistency and even a 6 to 8 weeks maternity leave might not work for them a few months down the road. 

It's not hard to understand why people discriminate, but that doesn't change that fact that it's illegal. I've been very surprised in the past to discover how many people-- people who I really respect, who are smart and kind and educated and supportive-- easily rationalize discrimination against women for family choices. It's such a hindrance to women in the workplace, and it's so damn unfair. 

OP, I'm really sorry this happened to you. The suckiest part is that there's probably no way you can prove it, and even if you could, if you're in an insular field, you may face negative repercussions if you file a complaint. 

2-Step

racampbell1:

That is so frustrating, I'm sorry.  On the other hand, maybe you don't want to work for this organization if that is their attitude about pregnant women, kwim?  Best of luck in your search, whenever you decide to continue!  

Totally! I wouldn't want to work for a company that would write off a perfect candidate because of pregnancy or being a working mom. It takes some companys months to years to find the right person for a job, so taking a short maternity leave for the right fit should not be a huge concern if you are really what they are looking for.