Need some advice..

MeganFrench120389 · September 2013

So here's the situation: I'm pretty unhappy with my current job and have been looking for a new place of employment. I'm not so much worried about quitting my current job as I am having to explain to a new (potential) employer that I'm pregnant. Now I'm only 10 weeks so I'm not super far along. So I guess what I'm asking is do I tell them right away during the interview or do I wait until I (hopefully) get the job and let them know? I know they would provide leave but I'm not sure for how long or how long I will have had to work there to receive it.

lazyreader · September 2013

I would provide it after specifically because it does not affect your potential as a prospect. Unless the job is something that has major physical requirements that you will not meet.

ju0725 · September 2013

The way I see it, it's non of their business. It's a need to know basis.

FLMommy22 · September 2013

I'd probably tell them after you get the job. Keep in mind a lot of employers require you work for them a full 9 months before you qualify for Maternity leave. Check their employee handbook

Mcsweets · September 2013

Depending on your hate for your job, I would honestly suck it up and take advantage of the benefits (FMLA?) if you have them. If there's nothing keeping you there like that, then I definitely wouldn't bring it up in an interview. It's so early you "may not have known you were pregnant" (long shot but hey - it happens!) and so if you DO get a new job - you can say you found out a little late? Just make sure they know your dedication to the new position

MeganFrench120389 · September 2013

Thanks ladies. I figured I shouldn't bring it up in the interview but its one of those things that I needed just a little more reassurance. And the job I'm at now allows me to take leave but can't guarantee that I would have a job when I get back. This new place is a solid career that would be much more stable. :-bd

KariB509 · September 2013

I personally would not tell them. Yes, legally they're not allowed to discriminate against you because you're pregnant but they can find other reasons to not hire you. They can just say you're under qualified even if you're not just so they have a legal reason for not hiring you. It's none of their business. (I've thought a lot about this because I've also been looking for jobs). Good luck in your job hunt!

VineyardMel · September 2013

I wouldn't tell them, but it's hard to know for sure if you'll qualify for FMLA. I work for a Fortune500 company and you have to work a specific number of hours to qualify--I'm not sure if that's part of the federal guidelines or not, but my company is very by the book so I would guess it is. I wouldn't qualify with only 6mo of employment.

codec · September 2013

I agree with what PPs have said. I wouldn't tell them at the interview. But I think that big thing would be the FMLA leave. If I remember correctly I needed to be employed for 6 months and in good standing with my company, before I was able to be eligible for FMLA.

PinupMomma08 · September 2013

Put on some spanx and interview away! They do t need to know!

benevolentforce · September 2013

I'm struggling with this too. There has been a lot of change at my company lately, and it's making me nervous so I've been interviewing. I'm planning to not mention it until when/if we get to salary negotiations.