Doing job interviews while on mat leave?

[LavenderFlowers]

Hi all,

I am on maternity leave until the summer and I've applied for some part time positions better suited to childcare I can get. My current employer can't offer flexibility in terms of hours and they haven't treated employees great so I've no great wish to return to them anyway. I will be handing in my notice early June.

I have an interview on Tuesday (that I really want) and I am wondering what is the best thing to say in this situation? Do I tell them I am currently on maternity leave? Do I explain I'm leaving because of childcare? I want to handle this in the more professional way. Obviously if I get offered a suitable job, I'll hand in my notice earlier.

TIA!

If they ask why you want to leave your current role, just tell them your current employer can’t offer you the work-life balance you are currently seeking.

Thank you. This employer (a family charity) mentions on the job application flexibility for parents and most of the staff seem to be female. I'm not due to finish maternity leave until August but I assume I would have to cut it short as they'll probably need an employee sooner than that

I wouldn't tell them anything at this point. We've never asked a candidate why they're leaving their position during the interview although it is asked on the initial application form. If they do ask you can tell them any old crap, you want a new challenge blah, blah, blah. Wait to see if you're offered the job and then you can negotiate a start date. If they really want you, they may be willing to wait until Aug.

I assume you have nothing in your current contract about returning for X amount of months post mat leave? Generally only required if you were paid additional mat leave payments.

Have you checked how much notice you need to give if NOT returning to your current role. I was on an interview panel and the woman never mentioned being on mat leave-absolutely fine, but she also never mentioned it after getting the role. It was only weeks later when references were sent that HR found out she was on mat leave.

Long story short, she wouldn't have been able to start for months, the 2nd candidate had already got another job and we had to go back and advertise and interview all over again. It was a PITA!

Personally, I wouldn't say you are moving for better work/life balance or for better child care arrangements. Your child care is nothing to do with work!

I only have to give one months notice, I have checked my contract and yes, I don't have to return as my employer didn't make any contributions to maternity pay

I’ve had two interviews in the last week, both of which asked me why I wanted to leave my current role.

Fair enough but the OP could still blag it.

Yes I work in management and we always ask why people are leaving their current role

I interviewed during mat leave. I did have to start earlier than I would have liked. They agreed to a staggered start (fewer hours) whilst my baby got used to nursery (I told them I only had full childcare capacity from a certain date). I didn’t mention mat leave at all. Just “looking for a new challenge”. The only thing I’d do differently is say I couldn’t start until I wanted to.