Need some advice re interview

[Jo Brads]

Hi girls,
I hope you can help. I have been with my company (a large telecoms provider) for 12 years. I have had various management and senior sales roles. A job has come up which I would love to do, and I have an interview on 21st oct and will be 21 weeks.
I am 17 +3 and am showing clearly as it's my third, so obviously in 4 weeks will be bigger.
What do I do, do I tell them I am pregnant but will work to the end and give 100% commitment and will definately be returning to work as I did with my other 2 kids. Or just go and not mention it until/if they offer.
My gut instinct is to be honest as thats the way I am but I don't want to give up my chances.

Thanks

Jo

 

[kalia]

Is it with the same company? If not, you will not be entitled to maternity pay from a new employer (though you would get MA).

They can't discriminate - it's illegal. I don't think you need to bring it up at all. It's not about being honest, it's about being relevant. And legally it's no more relevant than if you were getting married in a few months time so they'd have to change your name on all the paperwork - it will have an effect but that can be discussed if/when you get the job. I don't think you can say you will work to the end - I hope you are healthy through out your pregnancy but personally I ended up on crutches to get round the house and was signed off work from 28 weeks. Obviously you intend to work until you are due and you can say that if you bring up about your pregnancy.

If you go for it and don't get it you should ask for feedback and reasons for not getting the job if you feel they may have taken your pregnancy into consideration.

 

[Bexie]

I was in a similar position to you a few years ago. I had worked for my current employers for a while on fixed term contracts, I had been applying for permanent positions and one came up which I was very confident I'd get. At the time of interview I was 16 weeks pregnant, it wasn't obvious at the time, so I didn't mention it. I decided not to mention it as it didn't hold any relevance as to whether I could do the job or not. I felt quite certain had they known I was pregnant then I would have stood a lesser change of getting the job. I know employers aren't suppose to discriminate, but it does happen and they can always work their way round it. I was successful in getting the job, and when I told them I was pregnant they were fine with it.

I think employers have to be aware that women between a certain age are potentially going to be having children and therefore will be needing maternity leave and benefits.

Really it's up to you what you do. If it really is obvious that you are pregnant then I would consider telling them, but make it clear that you are committed to the company, perhaps if you have already thought about maternity leave mention how long (more so if it's a short period) you were intending to take off.

Good luck with the interview.