I am currently in the interview process for 3 different roles at different companies.

Anonymous

September 12,2022 at 3:15PM UTC

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I am currently in the interview process for 3 different roles at different companies. Two of the roles I am just going through the second phase of interviews, but one I am in the final stage. I am currently 5 months pregnant and do not know when to tell employers I am pregnant. I do not want this to impact my offer or the potential of an offer.

I understand I have to be mindful of maternity leave and the impact on FMLA.

Any advice?

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Lara Ivey KauchakSeptember 12,2022 at 3:26PM UTC
You do not have to tell them until you are ready to go on leave unless its impacting your ability to work (e.g. lots of doctors appt for a high risk pregnancy, can't meet the lifting requirements for the job etc). Get the job first.
AnonymousSeptember 12,2022 at 4:17PM UTC
You're not obligated to inform them until you're ready to go on leave if you get the job offer. Most companies require a 30 day notice for leave unless emergency situation. You may want to research the companies as well to see if they offer personal or maternity leaves, because you won't be eligible for FMLA as a new hire. You can be eligible for leave under the ADA if you have a disability due to a medical condition. If you are not protected by a leave, your employment may end if you don't have paid time off to use. So you may want to think about your options.
Echo SchneiderSeptember 12,2022 at 4:18PM UTC
I agree with Lara, do not disclose this during the interview process (and know that it is illegal for them to discriminate against in their hiring process).
This might be a helpful resource to check out as well for some tips: https://community.themomproject.com/the-study/interviewing-while-pregnant
Thuyvi DaoSeptember 12,2022 at 4:25PM UTC
Best to be up front with your employer as you get closer to the job offer so you don't get treated differently once they find out as you will start to show. Also, your peers may find you are not able to deliver on some of your job duties and tasks that have project deadlines once they account for your maternity leave as well. This may put you in an awkward position as a new employee if you are unable to meet the deadlines required of you. Be honest with yourself to how much time you would want to spend with your new bundle of joy. The new job as a mom and a new situation can be intensely stressful and overwhelming. It also demonstrates integrity to the organization that you care enough to be mindful of their needs from you as an employee.
Annetta MosesSeptember 13,2022 at 7:03AM UTC
My question is how much maternity leave do you intend to take? If you plan to take 8 weeks or less, disclose when you are preparing to take your leave. Depending on the company policy, this may be 60 days notice. If you are planning to take more, I suggest you disclose now.
While a company cannot discriminate, you are setting yourself up for failure if you accept a position knowing you will work for a short time and then be on leave for an extended period. The company has an open position and wants to fill it with someone who can work.
Good luck.
AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 12:37PM UTC
My long time manager (who became a dear friend) hired me at 6 month pregnant. This was pre-COVID and there wasn't really a way to hide it but I was honest on the phone interview because I wanted it out of the way. I have followed this manager to 2 different companies and have a fierce sense of loyalty because (at least back then) companies did not seem willing to hire someone who was pregnant. I think if these companies want you for this position, it should not be an issue in 2022. I would be honest and up front if it were me. Were you planning on waiting until you have an offer to let them know?
AnonymousSeptember 13,2022 at 2:39PM UTC
Thank you for the insight! I do think it really comes down to the manager and, I agree, if they want me they will hire me anyway. That is my question, if I should wait for an offer or disclose this right at the beginning. I am fearful if I disclose this then I will not be moved to the next round of given an offer.
Cheryl WilburgSeptember 25,2022 at 4:03PM UTC
Disclosure when an offer is on the table makes sense.
I wouldn't say anything sooner.
AnonymousSeptember 17,2022 at 1:23PM UTC
I would not disclose that you’re pregnant. I’ve not gotten a job when the hiring manager found out I had kids. Which never effects my job because my husband has his own company and will rearrange his schedule to be with a sick kid.
You will not qualify for FMLA (job security) since you need to work full time for 12 months to qualify. You would just need to have an understanding with your employer that you will return after so many weeks so your job is secure.
AnonymousSeptember 20,2022 at 12:25PM UTC
Asking someone if they are pregnant or plan on having kids is illegal in a job interview. It is illegal - so why would you bring it up. You have no clue what experience the hiring manager has had with a pregnant employee. They could have had the pregnant employee from HE** and that experience will cloud their judgement during the interview process. Once hired and on the job, then you can mention the need for time off. Just need to understand the time off policy at the new company. You may not qualify for maternity leave. Just know what you have available. FMLA is not an option as you have to be there for 12 months before eligibility.