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 December 2014 moms

shannm · August 2014

I would walk in with confidence and I would not bring it up at all. If someone chooses to bring it up, have a response like above ready.

Negotiate leave only after an offer is presented in writing. This protects everyone involved. They don't want to talk about your pregnancy at the interview. It puts them in a bad spot.

yepyepsms · August 2014

shannm said:
I would walk in with confidence and I would not bring it up at all. If someone chooses to bring it up, have a response like above ready.

Negotiate leave only after an offer is presented in writing. This protects everyone involved. They don't want to talk about your pregnancy at the interview. It puts them in a bad spot.

This exactly and if you have questions about maternity leave benefits for this new position ask an hr rep or when you have an offer in hand. I worked in HR and can't tell you how many times managers would tell me a pregnant woman asked about benefits in the interview.

minirella · August 2014

Depends on position, its requirements, and your ability to do the job while pregnant.

jtmomma13 · August 2014

It's a hard one. But in a dream world your pregnancy shouldn't effect your job interview.

I think I would play it by ear and be honest if asked. State that you are a quick learner and that you'll be ready to jump right back in after leave like @bearsbearsbears suggested.

I wouldn't negotiate leave or any of that until you have an offer in hand.

ColoradoBoat · August 2014

Thank you all!

Pips09 · August 2014

I would not say anything until an offer is made.

Maybride2 · August 2014

I agree with bears............if it's obvious that you're pregnant, just address it and reassure them that you view this as a great long term opportunity and will work as hard as you can both before and after your leave.

True, they can't legally ask you about it during the interview. But if it's obvious, and you don't say anything, you KNOW they're going to discuss if after you walk out the door. And it likely won't be favorable, especially if it looked at all like you were trying to hide it.

Beevol · August 2014

I would not bring it up at all in a first interview - mostly because I have been on the other side as a hiring manager/interviewer and it makes me super uncomfortable when the person I'm interviewing brings up something about themselves that it is not legal for me to ask about. Don't try to hide it either, just be careful if it comes up so it's not like you are trying to present a situation wherein they are in hot water... if that makes sense.

I think maternity dress + blazer sounds perfect, and agree not to negotiate ML until you have an offer in writing.

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