Has Anyone Interviewed for a Job While in Their 3Rd Trimester?

With my first child, 7 years ago, I found out I had a final interview scheduled while I was in the hospital. I went in one day to get my blood pressure checked, and it was so elevated that they kept me in the hospital for a couple of weeks before they induced me. My family was bringing my mail to me. I was going to call to decline the interview and a lot of people in my life suggested that I should go. So, I spoke to the doctors, and they agreed to let me out of the hospital for a couple of hours as long as someone drove me there and I came straight back. My mom and dad brought my interview clothes to the hospital, and drove me there. They were so impressed with my interview and my writing skills (pre-work) that it did not make a difference. I was given the offer shortly after I had my son, and they asked me how long I would need for maternity leave. I had my son in December 2001, and started work there in March 2002. I worked there for 5 years.

It seems once I get pregnant, I leave a job (as if the event is not stressful enought). With my second son, 18 months old, I was going through the interview process while pregnant with him. This was a little different because I was not showing yet. I got advice from various HR people and friends, to just go through the interview process without telling them, and if I get an offer, then to let them know. I followed that advice, got the offer letter, then at my pre-employment physical I told the doctor that I was pregnant and to feel free to let the employer know. I then called them and said I wanted to work out a plan so that my maternity leave would affect them as little as possible. I worked for 3 months, and then went off on maternity leave for 4 months. My boss suggested that I take all the time I needed, because once I was back to work, I was back to work. It worked out great. I kept in touch with him during my leave, just to keep the ties going.

I say all of this because each circumstance is different, and we should act depending on the circumstances. If you go into that interview pregnant, but show confidence and ability, you will make them forget all about you being pregnant, if it crosses their mind at all. With the bad economy, just think about getting the job and the fact that you have this opportunity. If the job is for you, you will get it. On the other hand, if they are going to hold pregnancy against you, that is a company you don't want to work for because they will end up giving you grief when the baby is sick, or you have to go to an event with your child.

Good luck and I hope all works out. I think it will. It did for me twice.

This happened at my husbands work.. a woman applied for a job, got an interview, was offered the job, accepted the job, THEN told the employer that she was pregnant and wouldnt be able to start when needed and would be taking time off after the birth THEN she would be able to start. She was rather portly so the pregnancy wasnt visible. needless to say, this put a great strain on the other employees having to do her job. they all felt it was unfair of her not be honest and say she was pregnant from the get go knowing full well that everyone else would have to carry her work load. The other employees are civil but not friendly to her and do not trust her as she couldnt be honest about that what else is she not being honest about? so if your willing to risk alienating your fellow employees then dont be honest. its best to be upfront about when you could start, how long you would like off, etc. good luck.

Hi L.,

I am a recruiter for cities and counties across the U.S. and have had many a pregnant candidate sit in front of me and interview. My advice to you is to be upfront about it as it relates to the date you could reasonably start a new position. Most interviews involve some sort of question relating to "any roadblocks to accepting the position if it was offered to you" or "any concerns about the position." Simply state that you are 35 weeks pregnant and plan on returning to work X number of weeks after the baby is born. Remind the panel of your interest in the position and let them know that the timing could not be more perfect for you.

On a side note - I too have been interviewing as I do not want to continue traveling 6 days a week once my baby is born. I am currently 35 weeks. I have been honest and upfront with everyone I interview with (not that I could hide my belly anyway) and so far, two companies are "willing to wait." Just be confident when you go interview. That goes a long way!

L.,

Honesty is the best policy. I would let them know that you are so excited about the position and what you have to offer them. Make them an offer they can't refuse. By being upfront about the baby, you will be showing them that you are serious about this position and are willing to put it at risk by being honest. This will show you are credible.

Good luck,

Molly

Yes--I actually had to reschedule the interview to an earlier date because I would have been 40 weeks. I had to ace bandage my feet to control the swelling in order to get on my dress shoes! I was huge. There was no ignoring the condition, so I was very upfront and transparent (and even joked about the situation). I offered them to ask me Q's they might have and I discussed my thoughts about working after my first-born (although the job didn't start for 6 months after the birth). In retrospect I'm surprised I got the job, because it was competitive and I was a risk. I think I was naively optimistic, and perhaps my enthusiasm to "have it all" won them over. It all worked out in the end. But certainly in any job interview I think it is a good idea for the applicant to bring up issues you think could cause bias--that way you help control what they think. Just my 2 cents.

Hi L.-
I interviewed for a job when I was at 34 weeks. Fortunately for me, with the outfit I wore, you couldn't really tell I was pregnant unless you already knew. Not that I was trying to hide it (well, maybe a little) but I wasn't about to volunteer the information and miss the opportunity of a job offer. Of course if they asked I would have told them, even though legally they can't ask. So I interviewed and was offered the job a couples days later. It was at that time, after I had accepted the position, that I told them that I was pregnant. I am still with the company today. That was 8 years ago. I say just go for it. Maybe they'll really want you and be willing to wait for you to start after your maternity leave. How long did you plan on taking off? I only took the 6 weeks given. So I guess if you planned on taking a longer amount of time off it might be more difficult for them. But you never know. Just go for it!

Hi L.,

If the interview is in another city, you could do it by videoconference. You would be sitting at a table and the camera could be zoomed in so the other side can't see that you are "great with child"!

If they already know your condition, it should not make any difference. However, it is possible that some on the panel would take into consideration that a mother of two young children is likely to have to take more time then usual off work. They aren't suppose to discriminate on this basis, but they could state other reasons for not selecting a young mother. So, if you talk at all about your family in the interview, also talk about your child care plan and back up plans.

On a positive note, maybe you are so good in your field, you will just fly through the interview, let them know how interested you are in the position and how hard you will work, but still, your family comes first.

If your interested in setting up a videoconference interview, let me know.

Blessings.....