Hey Ladies/Gents ~ A few months ago I started a job/new career search and then found out I was pregnant with my third. I have continued my search and was just about to give up as I am starting to show when I came across a lead from a company I used to work for prior to the job I hold now. Although I don't have an interview, yet, would or should I tell them I am pregnant? If it was a company I had never worked for before I might not feel I should but considering I have worked for them before (just at a different location) I feel a moral obligation to do so especially since when and if I was to get hired I could be past my four month mark. I realize I am speaking hypothetically but just thought I would get some advice. Thanks!
I agree completely with Meredith C. Don't say anything in advance and let them make their decision based on your merit. Even if you're showing, it's technically illegal for them to ask you about it.
I wouldn't say anything until I was offered a job, if that. If you feel you'll be unable to do the job because you're pregnant then it would be unfair to accept it. But if you're capable... then I would accept the job and tell them when you're due so they know when you might be out of work.
Do they offer flex time, work from home, any of that kind of thing? If so, then keep moving forward. Let them know if you are offered the position. You may be able to find a way to creatively work with them and be a mom at the same time. Good luck!
Are you currently working? If so, then consider your plan for maternity leave. If you start a new job, you will not be eligible for FMLA at all - you are too far along at 4 months. All a company would have to give you is whatever vacation/sick leave you had managed to acquire. Also, you will have a lot of doctors appointments and NO sick time to take them. Just an idea, maybe put the job search on hold.
C.
PS I worked through two pregnancies at two different jobs but had been in each at least 2 years before getting pregnant.
From an HR perspective, if you tell them you're pregnant before they've extended an offer you've put them in a bind. Now they are on the hook for possible discrimination charges if they don't hire you.
Better for both of you to wait to disclose that if and when they extend an offer, and decide with them where you want to go from there.
Get the job and then when you feel ready, you can tell them you are pregnant. Don't tell them before because I have seen way to many pregnant women get turned down for a job because of pregnancy. When you go to them and tell them you are expecting, come with a plan of what you will do when baby is born, come back to work etc at x time and who you will train to fill in for you while you are gone. That way they will see you are a responsible person that cares about the job etc and its well-thought out. Best wishes and hope you get the job!!!
M
I would apply and go to any interviews they set up for me. I would also tell them about the pregnancy, maybe not right off the bat, if it is a HR person doing the interview. But wait to see how it goes then when you have the opportunity to meet with a higher person or manager then I would tell them how much you miss working here and whatever you wanted to tell them then end that conversation with "I am expecting a child in XX and my child care center will be taking my newborn along with my older children.
They will basically be hiring a person who will be just getting back into the swing of things then turn around and be gone. They need that position filled and in my opinion have a right to hire a person to fill an empty position when it comes open again, even for a short time period.
