Interview HR question

ColoradoBoat · August 2014

I am interviewing in-person next Monday for a job that pays 60% more than I make now (plus better benefits). I'm 6 months pregnant and I am the breadwinner in our family currently, though we both work FT. That much of an increase would mean A LOT to our family. That said, I have a good job with STD that I've paid into to cover expenses while I'm on ML.

I'm public with my pregnancy on Facebook and to just about anyone who wants to know. I also can't physically hide it anymore. I have some nice professional maternity dresses that I could wear with a good blazer (I would normally wear a suit to any interview, but I don't plan to buy a maternity suit if I can help it).

So I don't plan to hide my pregnancy. How would you mention it in an interview? I know they legally can't ask but are there any rules I should follow re: bringing it up? Thanks in advance for any help!

Cross-post to working moms.

HeckItIs · August 2014

Be honest. I do a lot of recruiting and respect someone who will bring it up on their own. If not, when you leave the interview they will be wondering why you didn't mention it and it could create some hesitation if they are considering you as a candidate. However, be prepared to let them know how much time off you are expecting to take and any restrictions that would interfere with doing the job.

mrsrroberson · August 2014

No real advice on how to tell them. As someone who also recruits definitely tell them. For me I feel that it might be cutting it close, in the sense that most companies give a 90- day probation period, which determines if you're a good fit for company. Best case scenario you work for a full 90 days before baby comes and they have to keep you.
Only two ways it can go: they hire you despite knowing that in a few months you'll be absent for at least a couple months, or they don't hire you.
At this point I guess it doesn't hurt to go for it and just be open and honest, knowing that you'll have to start all over and might not get the same benefits or security you now hold.

marriedinaugust · August 2014

I would be concerned about maternity leave so I would definitely bring it up. Being there such a short time they do not have to guarantee you a position when you come back from leave, correct? Also, would you qualify for health insurance, every company has a different waiting period.

ColoradoBoat · August 2014

Thanks for the insights, everyone. The way I plan to talk about it is if they care more about the next few months or the long-term. From the job posting, it looks like they have a 5 year plan for where they want to go. If that's the case, I plan to argue to hire the right person to get their 5 year goals accomplished, as these first few months shouldn't be the crux of their decision. Either way, it's up to them.

And I don't plan to discuss benefits in this first interview. Others have advised me not to. Thanks!!

jayellekay · August 2014

Since you are this far along, I think it's prudent to mention it and address it (I like your tactic of looking long-term). If you're the right person for the job, it shouldn't matter to them. I have hired someone in May who was due in July. So basically, she got through an orientation period and then left for 9 weeks. It worked out; she is a great employee!

courtelizabeth81708 · August 2014

I agree with everyone and your plan! It definitely needs to be addressed, and I think that it shouldn't be in the first interview. Since FMLA won't apply, you need to be aware of how they would handle your leave etc. if your the right person for the job it shouldn't matter ( and if they are right for you they will work with you). I speak from experience. I'm 25 weeks and started a new job last week. I think I hid it well. I still fit in a " fat suit", as I call it, and my jacket still buttoned. We sat at a high conference table so I don't think it was obvious. I brought it up at my second interview and he even said he liked that I was upfront about it. We discussed taking time off and everything that needed to be done so we were all aware. We even discussed my hours which are a bit reduced. I have always been hesitant to ask for reduced hours, but it worked out when I did ask.

As a background, I'm a lawyer and it is a small private local firm, so I'm excited about it! GOOD LUCK!!!!

alanier18 · August 2014

I had an interview today and I brought it up at the end. I told them I didn't want to hide it from them and felt they should know. It's for an hr job so obviously they know the laws. They told me that the last person they hired was pregnant as well and that it wasn't an issue for them. It's a state position. I am willing to start rigt away and take maternity leave or I'm willing to wait until I am ready to return and then start. Either way works for me. Good luck on your interview!

r&m07 · August 2014

Wait to tell them until your final interview or until they've offered you a position.

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