Seeking Working Mommy's Advice

Just from an employer's perspective - many times an interviewer prefers you DON'T tell them. There are many things that could affect job performance that we cannot ask (do you have an aging parent at home, do you have special needs children, are you going through a divorce, do you have any chronic health problems, etc). When interviewing a candidate I'd rather NOT know these things so that way there is never any question that I evaluated each candidate based on equal factors (ability, experience, etc etc) rather than things legally I'm not allowed to consider. Keeps things neat and tidy in my mind. Best of luck!!

I took a job very early in my pregnancy. I had to tell them within a week of starting because I was having such bad morning sickness. I had so much vomiting that I wound up in the hospital a half dozen times and the pregnancy got so complicated I had to quit the job 6 months after I started. They were super supportive. They even threw a little shower after my baby was born. I feel that I was so lucky to have such nice colleagues. It worked out well for them too because when I had to quit the school year was ending and they were able to hire the intern. Good luck!

I have not been in this situation, but as an employer, my advice is not to disclose the information until after your 90 days. There is a reason that you legally do not need to disclose it. Now, I would not lie if asked, but then they really shouldn't be asking. My reasoning is this...you can not ever predict your health. You could start the job & need surgery to remove a tumor, appendix, etc. Companies should be able to adjust for all situations regardless, that is just the nature of the beast. If you disclose it, I would be surprised if you got the job, or made 90 days. as an employer, I would wonder how long you knew and might be a bit miffed about having to adjust, but if you've been with me 90 days, then I like your work & most likely you and will be more forgiving. Best of luck to yours.

I interviewed for a job when I was almost 3 months pregnant and a little over 3 months pregnant when hired. I did not disclose my pregnancy during the interview because I was afraid it would hurt my chances. I told my supervisor and co-workers a few weeks after I was hired that I was pregnant. They threw me a baby shower too and it worked out. I'm still with the same company 5 years later and have had another baby in the meantime.
I would recommend not disclosing anything during the interview but if you get the position, I would disclose the pregnancy not too long after being hired. If you disclose the pregnancy during the interview and do NOT get the position, you'd wonder if you didn't get it because you were pregnant. At least that was my reasoning. Good luck!

Hello- I was in a similar situation, I was 13 weeks when I was interviewing. During the interview I was offered the job and I disclosed it at that time. It worked out well and I was glad I said something up front. The only thing to consider is that you do not qualify for FMLA until you have been with a company for a year. I was fortunate and my company did give me the full 12 weeks off but they didn't have to. Just something to think about. Good luck!

I would NOT tell them. It's none of their business for a reason (that's why it's illegal to ask). Women fought for many years for their personal lives to be personal. Also, in this tough job market, a pregnancy disclosure could likely be the deciding factor against hiring you. Although they would never tell you this. In fact, while interviewing, if they ask you any questions about the number of children you have, ages, health history in your family, what your husband does, etc., change the subject and don't answer. If your husband has what's perceived as a "good" job, they could use that against you figuring that you'll land on your feet ok because the man will save you. This has happened to me recently (but I fought back and won). Interviewer are not your friends, even though it's their job to pretend that. Interviewers are always looking for a reason not to hire the applicant in front of them.

Hi!

I was in this situation in 2006 with my second child. I was probably 12-13 weeks along when I interviewed for a job in September of 2006. They offered me the job, and I took it, never disclosing my pregnancy.

I waited until 16 weeks to tell them I was pregnant.

I also felt like I was deceiving them but at the end of the day, I was an excellent employee. If I had disclosed my pregnancy I may not have gotten the job.

I definitely think you're doing the right thing. You have to do what you have to do to take care of yourself and your babies!

Good luck with the job hunt! What do you do for a living in case I know of any openings?

N.

I would be totally honest with them if you expect them to be honest with you. Have you every thought of working from home and saving on daycare cost. That is what I do if you want info you can write me a private message.

I would tell them. I found out I was pregnant after 5.5 months and had just started a new job. I had NO IDEA I was pregnant but I had a feeling they didn't believe me. A month after I found out I was let go. They just said "it wasn't working out." It worked out for the best. I have been home for the last three years with my son.

Hi Ang,

I was in this position a few years ago. I was only 10 weeks pregnant and had interviewed with a prospective company. They offered me the position. I felt it was extremely important to disclose my pregnancy as deceiving a perspective company is not a great way to begin your relationship. When I told them I was pregnant they said they would talk about it with partners but then never got back to me. My situation was different because I would not be starting the job until I was about 6 months pregnant and would work for 3 months and take 3 months maternity.

I also tried to get a job when I was 9 months pregnant and both places were really honest with me and told me they were not interested because they needed someone now.

I hope in your case since you will most likely be able to start sooner they will be able to accommodate your leave. At least I hope that will be the case.

Good luck,
V.

At my last job, I was about two months pregnant when I interviewed and got it. I did not look pregnant and I did not disclose that I was. I needed the job and could not take the chance that I would not get it due to the pregnancy (even though that is illegal). When I was about four months pregnant (about a month after working), I told my boss. I felt bad because clearly I had been pregnant when hired and he was shocked but it went smoothly. I made sure to tell him before any of my co-workers knew or could start guessing. I also explained to him that I planned on returning back to work, at that position. It actually went very easy but my boss at the time was a devoted family man himself, so that helped out quite a bit.

The only thing to consider is that you have to be at a position for at least a year to qualify for FMLA. I'm not sure about your specific situation, but they are not required to hold your job for you when you leave for materinty leave. That might be something you need to take into consideration, if you plan on returning back to work, or if you cannot afford to lose your job.

I was laid off from one job and hired to another very early in my pregnancy. I did not know i was pregnant when i interviewed and accepted the position. I told my new boss on my first day. i too felt guilty even though i hadn't done anything wrong. Even though you know you are pregnant i still would not tell them until after you start your new job. Legally you don't have to. Once you're hired and working there is nothing they can do about it.

I went for a couple interviews early in my pregnancy. I didn't say anything at the interviews about being pregnant but I was open about the fact that we would be trying to get pregnant...that was partly because I wanted information about what benefits would be available. I got bad "vibes" from the first place when I asked my questions and really felt they wouldn't hire me because of what I had asked. The other place was very open and helpful. They answered all my questions and eventually offered me a job. I accepted but before I signed the contract, I informed my new boss that I was pregnant. I had already decided that I would want 6 weeks off after the baby so when my boss asked about my plans I had a plan ready for her. I was being hired to teach and I knew my boss would need time to find a replacement so I felt it was important to let her know as soon as possible. It worked out very well for me because the preschool was full of young mom's having babies and they were thrilled to have another person having a baby. They threw me a shower and brought us meals after our son was born. Ironically the other place I interviewed for also called me back (much later) to offer me a job. I think it's up to you what you do. I didn't want to tell during the interviews because I felt that could really affect how I was judged. When it came time to sign my contract though, I felt I should be up front about it so I told them right away. It worked in my situation but I think that was mostly because of who I was working for. I'm not sure the other place would've been nearly as understanding. I think you'll get a feel for the place when you go to the interview. If they offer you the job, then you can decide when to tell.

I have worked as an HR Manager/Recruiter. Do not tell anyone during an interview that you are pregnant. You are not being "deceitful". All companies have policies in place to handle leaves for pregnancy and all other reasons. As far as "expecting them to be honest with you", there are no guarantees from either side in employment situations - all employment is temporary. Companies close, reorganize, downsize, relocate, whenever they choose.

As another responder said, you may not get as generous a leave without having worked for a year for a company, because of the way the laws are written.

Sounds like you got great advise - and would agree to NOT disclose that you are pregnant during a first interview. Be sure to check all your options - regarding maternity leave (FMLA). If a second interview is requested - this may be a more appropriate time to mention that you are planning a family.

Best of luck - and congratulations :o)
C.
www.snowflakegems.com

I haven't read the other comments so sorry if this is a duplicate.. I've had a friend who was pregnant twice when she was interviewing and she told them between the last interview but before the offer. I thought she was crazy to do so ... but it worked out well for her.

I have also read that people tell WHEN they have already gotten the offer but haven't signed yet... and that has worked out well for them. I do think you need to follow your gut... do what you fell most comfortable with. Best of luck w/ your baby as well as any new job opportunities!

2 of my co-workers were hired while pregnant--both disclosed on their own during interviews. We work in healthcare. They also both took maternity leave (one took the full 12 weeks, the other only took 6 by choice) They are still with our company.

I agree with Kristi H. Even though legally they cannot discriminate you just never know how it will land with them. It may not be blatant, and they may not even know they are doing it. If someone else is interviewing for the same position then they may say to themselves. - oh we'll I'll just go with the other candidate. Put yourself on an even playing field. Once they know you can't take it back and they will factor it in regardless.