Job interview at 25wks with large bump. How do I handle this?

[TheOtherMissRabbit]

I mean, how? Do I make reference to the fact that I am obviously pregnant? Do I leave it as the elephant in the room unsaid during the interview itself - and then tell them if they make me an offer? I am somewhere on the autistic spectrum, and am at the best of times dreadful at judging these things.

Organisation in question has an atrocious record on maternity discrimination - but it's a good job, on paper I look perfect for it, and financially I need to work.

[Portobelly]

But they need someone to do the work. Within ten weeks of you starting you want to leave.
I get the need for needing a job, but surely a temp role would be better?

[GinIsIn]

When is the start date for the job? Is it a permanent job?

[atticusclaw2]

You have a legal right not to be discriminated against. However, on a practical basis its clearly the case that you're putting them in a horrible position. They need someone to work. You are not available.

Morally it's absolutely the wrong thing to do.

[MaybeDoctor]

Hold a really big folder in front of you? An A3 CV?

I think that you probably have to mention it and say what your plans would be.

[TheOtherMissRabbit]

Fair point, but I have spent the past year applying for work. If I don't get something before the DC is born, my qualifications (which cost ££££ and took 7 years to complete) will expire, and I will be back to a life sentence of entry-level, zero-hours work. Or else another 7 years and untold thousands spent re-doing my already hard-whom qualifications.

[atticusclaw2]

What qualifications expire like that? (genuinely interested)

They won't offer you the job and so you're wasting your/their time really.

[TheOtherMissRabbit]

The start date isn't specified. It's not a permanent job, but the length of the contract isn't specified either. The lack of certainty is absolutely normal for the field at the moment.

[GingerIvy]

I had to go looking for work when 36 weeks pregnant (long story) and I didn't mention it until they brought it up. The way they approached it often highlighted how they dealt with employees as well as maternity. Those that really wanted to employ me weren't deterred by the pregnancy/maternity concerns.

[TheOtherMissRabbit]

I appreciate your curiosity in asking, but I would rather not disclose the qualification itself: it's in a very niche area. In retrospect, it was probably a mistake to pursue.

[SnugglySnerd]

I would mention it when they ask if you have any questions and explain what your plans are. I do know someone who successfully got a job whilst pregnant so you never know!

[GinIsIn]

Ok, if it's not a permanent contract I would ask them before attending the interview if the job runs for longer than 12 weeks, and explain that if it does, you won't be a suitable applicant.

[coolpotato]

I think be upfront. It's going to be obvious. Go in, tell them how much the job means to you, re qualifications, how hard you e worked etc, and offer up solutions as to how much work you could do before baby and if/what/when you can work after. It might just be they don't want a f/t person, and it easily be done in a p/t contract type basis. What have you to loose?

[TheOtherMissRabbit]

By convention, the job should last 18-24 months. But I should be told at the interview, and obviously if it's shorter than that I will withdraw.

[TheOtherMissRabbit]

At the moment, no, I have nothing to lose!

[Imknackeredzzz]

Sorry yes it's not the right thing to do- as a poster said if it's longer than 12 weeks your not able to do the work- so shouldn't be applying

[atticusclaw2]

How long are you planning to take for "mat leave" (bearing in mind that you will not qualify for SMP)

[Bluntness100]

I have to say that yes you need to mention it, and as you will be off in a few weeks, and can possibly be off by up to a year, then unless thy are struggling it would not be in the businesses best interests to employ you at this stage for a contract that may be short term.

You can temper it by explaining uour maternity leave, maybe uou intend to take three months. But accepting a job and not mentioning it to me is very bad form. If uou are honest then they may find a way round it.

[HunterHearstHelmsley]

Thing is, it's so easy to sway interview scoring the way you want it to go. If they decide they don't want you he cause you're pregnant then they won't write that down anywhere and just come up with another reason.

[coxsorangepippin]

I think applying is absolutely the right thing to do. It's important to your career, and more women working hard for what they want can only be a good thing for society. They can make their own mind up.

I'd probs mention it given the bump.

[thecook]

You are taking the piss love. You will be off on soon.

If I was the boss I would not employ you. Get your husband to support your babies

[OlennasWimple]

thecook - are you being a deliberately GF?

[OlennasWimple]

OP - what are your maternity plans? As in, do you plan to be back at work six weeks after giving birth, or a year?

[TheOtherMissRabbit]

thecook I wish he earned enough for that