Interviewing for jobs while pregnant requires you to not only rehearse your professional spiel — charting your accomplishments, skills, and perfectly polished answers to those tricky questions like “Where do you see yourself in five years?” But you also need to strategically plan when to drop the “by the way, I’m also manufacturing a human.”
In this post I’ll share my top tips for navigating an interview when you’re expecting so that you feel comfortable and confident moving forward!
Tip #1: Know Your Rights
Understand the laws related to pregnancy and employment in your country or region. Familiarize yourself with what employers can and cannot ask regarding pregnancy and family plans in an interview. For example, it is legal to ask “Are you able to perform the job functions for the position you are applying for?” It’s not legal to ask “Are you pregnant or are you planning to have kids?”
Some states like California offer eligible workers paid family leave (PFL). Research to find out if your state or country offers similar benefits. Nationwide, the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) exists, however, you need to be employed at least 12 months at a company to be eligible (among other criteria). That’s why it’s important to know if there are any laws or protections by state.
Tip #2: Disclosing your pregnany after a job offer
You’re not legally required to disclose your pregnancy in an interview or on your application. The decision to share this information can depend on how visible your pregnancy is, your personal comfort level, and how you feel the information will be received based on the company culture and interactions you have had with the hiring committee.
One option regarding interviewing for jobs while pregnant is to wait and disclose your pregnancy until after a job offer has been made and you have accepted. If you go this route, make sure to do as much research as you can before you accept a job offer. For example, in the interview process you can ask the recruiter to give you all of the documentation regarding the company benefits package. Read it carefully to learn about the company policy around marternity or paternity leave.
If nothing is stated in the literature, you can ask the recruiter something like “I plan to grow my family in the future. What are your family planning resources and what is the policy regarding parental leave?” At some companies you might qualify for parental leave after day one on the job. For other companies it could be after 90 days or even one year.
If you are covered for paid parental leave from day one, it’s probably safe to disclose your pregnancy after you accept the job offer (make sure to get the offer in writing). However, if you won’t be eligible for parental leave until 9 months or one year (or at all), I recommend negotiating a delayed start date or paid or unpaid leave after the company has made an offer but before you accept the job offer.
If you are very early in your pregnancy and not showing yet, you can delay disclosing until you are further along and after you start working. The bottom line is, do your homework regarding the company policies before you accept a job offer!
Tip #3: Focus on your value
Regardless of when and whether you disclose your pregnancy or not, make sure to emphasize your professional skills, experiences, and how you’re a great fit for the job. Your main goal is to show why you are the right candidate for the position and that you are up for the challenge of the role.
One of the most important things to remember regarding interviewing for jobs while pregnant is to practice answering common interview questions. Always remember your value and what you bring the table. If you project confidence and passion, it will shine through in the interview.
Tip #4: Ask relevant questions
When it’s your turn to ask questions, inquire about company culture, values, and policies that are relevant to work-life balance, without making it solely about your pregnancy unless you feel comfortable doing so.
Use the interview process as a chance to evaluate whether the company is supportive of employees’ family needs and overall work-life balance. This can be crucial for your experience working there while pregnant and as a parent.
Tip #5: Plan your attire
Choose professional attire that makes you feel comfortable and confident about interviewing for jobs while pregnant. If you’re in the earlier stages of pregnancy, you might opt for something that doesn’t reveal your pregnancy if you prefer to keep it private at this stage.
In conclusion
Hopefully this article has given you enough information to feel comfortable and confident about interviewing for jobs while pregnant. Congratulations on your news and good luck with the interview process – you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I interview for a job while pregnant?
Yes, absolutely! You have the right to interview for jobs while pregnant and it is illegal for employers to discriminate against you based on your pregnancy status. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to disclose your pregnancy during the interview process unless you feel comfortable doing so.
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Can an employer withdraw a job offer if you are pregnant?
In the United States, an employer cannot legally withdraw a job offer because you are pregnant. This protection is primarily provided under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) of 1978, which is an amendment to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The PDA prohibits discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions. This means that employers cannot refuse to hire, fire, or discriminate against you in terms of compensation, job assignments, promotions, layoffs, training, fringe benefits, or any other terms and conditions of employment because you are pregnant.
If an employer withdraws a job offer after discovering that you are pregnant, and if the pregnancy or any related condition was the reason for the withdrawal, this would likely be considered illegal under federal law. The employer must treat you the same as any other applicant or employee with a similar ability or inability to work. They are also required to make reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related conditions if such accommodations are made for other employees with temporary disabilities.
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Should you mention maternity leave during an interview?
Deciding whether to mention maternity leave during a job interview can be a complex choice, influenced by your personal circumstances, the culture of the industry, and the specific employer. Here are some factors to consider before bringing up maternity leave during an interview:
Timing: Typically, job interviews focus on assessing a candidate’s suitability for the role, understanding their skills, and evaluating how they might contribute to the organization. Introducing topics like maternity leave early in the interview process might shift the focus away from your qualifications and capabilities.
Company Culture: Researching the company’s culture and their approach to work-life balance can provide insights. Companies that promote family-friendly policies may be more receptive to discussing maternity leave openly. If the company has clear policies on parental leave or has been recognized for its support of work-life balance, it might be safer to bring up such topics.
Seek Advice: Sometimes, seeking advice from mentors in your industry or from a professional network might provide valuable insights tailored to your specific situation and industry norms.
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How can I hide my baby bump for a job interview?
If you’re looking to minimize the visibility of a baby bump during a job interview, there are several clothing strategies and styles that can help you achieve a more streamlined look. Here are some tips to consider:
Layered Clothing: Wearing layers can help to disguise a baby bump. For example, a blazer or cardigan worn over a shirt can help to create a less defined silhouette around your midsection.
Pattern and Color: Choose tops and dresses with subtle patterns or darker colors, as these can help to camouflage contours more effectively than solid, light colors. Avoid tight-fitting clothing and opt for outfits that drape more loosely over your body.
