Job interviews when pregnant

[Washersaurus]

There is a job a really really want, which I had started to pursue prior to finding out recently that I am expecting a 3rd DC in May/June next year. I'm worrying about attending the interview for all sorts of reasons. The job is teaching and this would be my first post (GTP).

Am I mad to consider it? Is it really bad form? I have put my career on hold for so long already, I was really ready for it....and then got pregnant again.

Any advice would be gratefully received; I'm getting all stressed and don't even know if they would offer me the place anyway!

[HisMother]

Go for it! I did, and I'm doing the very same thing. As long as you can prove yourself during the time that you're there then what have you got to worry about.

I applied for the job (in the local technical college) before I was pregnant and interviewed while pregnant like you. If it's what you want and it's important to you then you'll be kicking yourself if you don't and you may end up resenting your baby because of the "sacrifice" you made for him/her.

I felt that it was important not to mention the pregnancy during my interview. That way I knew that if I didn't get it then it was because of my interview and not because of my unborn child. But that's up to you.

However, it is really important before accepting the job to consider whether or not you intend to go back after your leave. If you won't be then I think the decision is already made.

Good luck!

[Washersaurus]

Thank you so much for your reply. I know that I have to go to interview otherwise I would never be able to stop thinking 'what if?'. I had decided not to mention my pregnancy at interview for the same reasons as you.

When did you tell your employer about your pregnancy? To be honest I don't know how long I'm going to be able to hide it for (waistline bursting)

[HisMother]

I was 12wks by the time of the interview and 17wks when I started the job. So I only looked a bit out of shape and rounded then. But I had to ask for time off for my 20wk scan, so that was when I told them. At least then I was able to share my scan photos with them and they had to be happy for me.

It was really funny actually. My line manager was heavily pregnant on the interview panel. Then another woman in our dept announced her pregancy when I came back from my scan.

But there was the supervisor... Older lady, very single, no kids and too late to try. She was very negative towards me but I figure she was unhappy that she hasn't had the opportunity to have any kids herself. So I was mindful of that and treated her carefully.