Interview - Do I tell them I'm a solo parent

[loumaria]

Hello, I am returning to work after a 6 year break (raising 3 young children) and have my first interview tomorrow. I need to work a minimum of 16 hours to qualify for working tax credit and would like to spread hours over 4 days to avoid child care costs (they have implied they are flexible re. this). Not sure whether to tell them I'm a single parent managing on my own though if we discuss this. Gut reaction is don't as I don't want to be judged before I've had a chance to prove myself. What are your thoughts folk? thanks x

[Shesparkles]

I wouldn't, as it has no bearing on your ability to do the job.
The tax credit side of it is "admin" which could be discussed once you have the job offer.
Good luck with the interview!

[Boomtownsurprise]

It's irrelevant. Don't

[momb]

They aren't allowed to ask becasue it may influence their decision on whether to give you the job (even subconsciously), so don't volunteer the information.

[loumaria]

As i thought but thanks for the reassurance! Great help.

[meglet]

I will go against the grain (a bit).

I let potential employers know I had kids when I replied to the job advert, although I didn't say I was a single parent. I mentioned I had a baby and a toddler and family who were able to help with childcare. TBH I didn't want to waste my time going for an interview to a less than family friendly employer and having to leave when they got funny about time off for the kids. They knew the score and were obviously still impressed with me.

If it helps I applied for 2 jobs, told them I had kids, got 2 interviews and was offered both jobs (I took the second one). (This was for office admin, I'm not a head hunted high flyer or anything!).

So, I suspect a nice employer wouldn't be bothered by it and offer you a job regardless. A shitty potential boss would hold it against you and it would be a lucky escape.

[MeMyselfAnd1]

Forget about saying you are a lone parent, you are at a higher risk of ruining the interview by saying you want to spread the time to avoid paying childcare.

As sad as it is, the interviewers wouldn't be thinking how they can help you to juggle work and family life. They will be thinking how you can contibute to their team, so... Go to the interview, listen to what they say, make a good impression and once you get the job, negotiate the hours.
(And don't forget that there is a part of tax credits that could pay up to 70% of the childcare costs , depending in your income)

[CuttedUpPear]

I never did in all my years of lone parenting.
I mention the DCs now that they are adults but I know it would have jeopardised my work prospects in their younger days.

[HonestLie]

I wouldn't either

[loumaria]

Interesting to read comments. I had interview today (and felt it went really well) and was interviewed by two lovely women, one of whom (Director) has 3 children like myself. We discussed hours and I said i would prefer to work during school hours if possible (but that i was flexible) and she was very happy with that and understood the need to juggle work and family life. I also didn't feel like i needed to explain my time off work as they understood. Overall, regardless of whether i get the job it was a positive experience. I didn't mention i am a solo parent though and will continue to keep that one under my hat. Just don't think you need to divulge personal information of that nature during an interview.