If I ever get an interview... ignore pregnancy?

RyanandManda

So I've got my fingers crossed that some really good leads I've been given will at least end up getting me an interview at a couple of places.  I'm pretty much past hiding the baby bump so...  yeah...  not quite sure how to handle that.  Thoughts?

I found a shirt/blazer combo for this past week's interview event that covered the belly but it's not going to fit again so the next time I interview anywhere, I'll clearly look pregnant.  There's no hiding it.

Do I mention the elephant in the room during the interview?  Pretend I don't catch them glancing at my belly?  Any job I can get right now, I will fully commit to through the pregnancy, an 8 week maternity leave (if we can afford it), and indefinitely thereafter so it's not like I'm looking for something to cover me till this baby is born...  I'm looking for a long-term thing here and I want them to know that so I'm wondering if it's worth mentioning or what...  

TIA! 

DruidPrincess

I think you'd want to address it - Colorado being an at-will state and the economy and hiring being what it is, you know they'll observe it and you do NOT want them to instantly write you off from candidacy based solely on 8 weeks in the next year.

Thus I would bring it up as it ties in to your commitment to your career... you're obviously building a family via a pregnancy, but you still wish to pursue work and excelling in the work place and contributing to society, and so on.  Pitch yourself as a solid learner and a responsible employee - one who plans ahead, provides for worst case scenarios, and can wade in to pick up any slack and improve the status quo.  

I wouldn't ignore it, since it sounds like it's unignorable.

smilelari

I switched jobs while PG.  While interviewing we talked about things like maternity leave benefits, job security considering I wasn't eligible for FMLA, etc.  Good to be up front and to reassure them that you're looking for something for the long haul

asilsjf

Coming from someone who does hiring and hasn't been pregnant, I think it would be best to face the issue head on.  You're up against some "tough" factors such as: you'll be leaving for 8 weeks just as you're trained, and I think it's still the opinion of most that new mothers are distracted when they come back from leave.  And i mean, why wouldnt they be?  No sleep, pumping, and the fact that youll be anxious to Go home and spend time with the new little person.  I'd be clear and concise about your plans.  It could work in your favor as you'll be "memorable", maybe make a joke about it like "at this point we're not planning on triplets".

todds_wife

Yeah- you should address it if you cant hide it and stress your desire for long term employment.

goldenjes

I've interviewed for a couple of jobs while pregnant.  In the very early stages, I ignored it and told them later on, after training.  Once, I was about 6-7 months pregnant, and it was with DS3, so I was already huge.  I sat down, and joked that they didn't have to worry about me going into labor until the end of summer. 

I think they were relieved I brought it up, since they legally couldn't.  I told them how much time I was anticipating off based on my previous experience (which ended up being much less since XH left) and reassured them that I had solid childcare, plus backups. 

Once the baby logistics were out of the way, I asked if they had questions, and I think they were just surprised I was so up front about it.  Then we talked about why I thought I was perfect for the job and their company.  It ended up being a really good fit for everyone and I enjoyed working there.

 

RyanandManda

SUPER helpful!  Thank you all so much for the advice!