Tell recruiters I was laid off? And pregnant?

Question

I was laid off a few weeks ago.  I found out it would happen months ago and started actively looking for a new role but things have been slow which was ok because I'm also 8 months pregnant and won't be able to start a new job until Jan.  As I start to actively interview now most roles I am going for will take a few months to get through the process.  When they ask when I can start I say mid-Jan without details or say I have some projects to complete or even thought about saying I have a major surgery coming up for one of my children and know it would be best to start a new career once that is complete.  Neither is a lie it's just lacking information.  I just worry both admitting I was laid off and saying I am pregnant will create unnecessary assumptions about me as a female leader.  The truth of it is I probably could have found another role in my company to stay and not get laid off but being pregnant made me a less ideal candidate (although that's illegal) it's the truth of it.

Angelica Patlán · Answer

I agree with the above comments! First, being laid off doesn't take away from your worth and value as a person and employee. They happen to the best of us! With the pandemic, I think everyone is getting a pass right now. I would suggest finding out the total number of employees your previous company laid off.  If they ask about why you left your last job,  you can prepare a statement like, ' I was part of a layoff of over X amount of employees due to COVID.' That is all they need to know. It is honest and straightforward. You are making a baby! That is no easy feat! Even if they don't decide to choose you, use it to practice interviewing and learning the questions these positions may come with. You got this!

EmpoweredGirl180418 · Answer

Why do you have to give a reason as to the date you can start?  I have hired a few folks and I know the date I need them to start and then ask when they can start.  I’ve never asked why their date was the date given.  Personally I can think of many reasons, none of which are my concern.

So why do you feel you need to give a reason for the start date?

Jenn Longbine · Answer

I agree. No need to give a reason. During the pandemic, there doesn't seem to be a stigma around layoffs. It doesn't have to feel like a detail that works against you. Especially in fields like recruiting and sales. The most powerful obstacle for each of us is our personal limiting belief system. Don't devalue yourself because of something that is temporary. You're a goddess! You're making a HUMAN!

As most roles are remote right now regardless, I'd advise you to share information relevant to your match to the role. The rest is yours to keep or share.

Lily Oliver-Torres · Answer

One of the perks of remote interviewing is that companies only see you from the shoulders up. It's completely normal to say that you are looking for a start date of Jan 1, given it's mid-October. While it's illegal to discriminate, it's unlikely that it will get you bonus points with a future employer (no one would ever admit that, but it will be hanging over the process). I was also once told that it also puts the company in an awkward position, because if they don't hire you, that could appear to be the reason. They will not press if you simply say you're looking to start in 2 months.

Sue Wedig · Answer

I've found that we often feel like we need to explain all of our actions.   What I've learned is to not provide more than I am asked.   For instance if they ask when can you start, you simply say January.   Nothing more.   For so long I would rattle on and on especially if I didn't feel like I was getting the feedback or positive acknowledgement I wanted.   Now I know that I don't have to offer what isn't asked.

Juliana Vieira Habib Oliveira · Answer

I understand you concern . I would not say you shouldn’t be worried. However, if the company really cares about this moment of your life, they will supporrt
You and make everything for you not feeling bad.

Joanna Giordano · Answer

Also you don’t have to disclose you were laid off either. It might be a strategy as outlined above in that it’s not an unusual story these days, however an employer can only really go so far as to verify dates of employment. They may vaguely ask in interview “why are you looking” (obvi you’re looking bc you are not currently employed) but I’ve been taught it is risky/borderline to ask candidates “why did you leave?” Bc it’s a bit too close to “were you fired?”  Passed with changes to unemployment laws a few years ago, I believe that is now illegal to ask. This might be only NY or NYC tho.

Tell recruiters I was laid off? And pregnant?

You're invited.

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