Baby and job interview - should I tell them?

[Newmumcareer]

I have a 3 month old baby and didn't plan on applying for new jobs until she is a bit older. However, I found a job in my field that would be perfect for me. The issue is that I now have a gap in my CV from when my contract wasn't renewed whilst I was heavily pregnant. Prior to me disclosing my pregnancy to my former employer, there were many talks of long term goals and new projects were allocated to me. I received lots of praise from my manager and very senior members of staff (back when I wasn't pregnant or hadn't disclosed my pregnancy yet). Manager waited until I was nearly 8 months pregnant to tell me that I would not be staying on despite knowing I was pregnant for a few months by this point. They hired another woman to take my job. They claimed it was just a temp contract and that's why they didn't renew it, but why hire someone so soon and ask me to handover my projects to her?

If I am invited for job interviews, do I have to tell them why my contract wasn't renewed? Or could I just say my contract came to an end? Thank you.

Just write maternity leave on your CV

This. Don't overcomplicate it.

Would it work against me to mention that I have a baby? I'm wondering whether to say that my contract ended (no mention of baby) or I was on maternity.

I think it would be very unwise to actively conceal that fact. There are any number of issues that could arise that might require you to leave work to attend to your child. However, if they don't ask, don't tell. As to maternity leave or end of contract, that's up to you.

@MNetcurtains I think you're right. I'm just scared of being discriminated against.

You don’t want to work somewhere that discriminates again, if they won’t hire you because you have a child you don’t want to work there.

If you disclose you have a baby and they don't give you the job for that reason, you've had a lucky escape, trust me. I mention my kids in every interview I have (just in the natural small talk that happens), helps to filter out dick head employers.

Cross post!

I do think it depends on the job and level you are looking at.
For my current job the fact I am a mother was mentioned in the interview as the directors I spoke with also talked about their family. But I was confident already that I was the best person for the job and that they needed me and my awesomeness in their company.
That said on a CV I would always just put end of contract. I would never actively mention having children as it has nothing to do with either my ability to do the job or my work experience generally.
In interview I think it’s a case of reading the room. For safety‘s sake end of contract is easier.

Don't put maternity leave on the CV. Just say 'temporary contract ended'.

In a perfect world we wouldn't be discriminated against for being mothers but our world isn't like that and potential employers can and will write you off on the sly for having a young one.

@AlltheFs @KenIsAnAccessory yes you're right. I've dealt with one employer who discriminates and I don't want that again. @FartSock5000 you're right. I think I'll just say that my temp contract ended.

Good luck with the interview. Please update us!🙂

Remember that aren't allowed to ask about children and you aren't obliged to tell them. Even so, they might well ask in a round about way. Don't put maternity leave on your application, but wait until you are in the interview, when you've had chance to sell yourself, if you want to tell them. I agree with pp that you don't want to work for someone who could potentially discriminate, but likewise, you don't want to scupper your chances before you even get your bum on the interview seat. Good luck!

That's good to know that they're not allowed to ask. And thank you!