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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

to hide the fact I'm on maternity leave at an interview

15 replies

PotWatcher · 05/02/2015 19:18

I'm on maternity leave at the moment. I've got a job to return to, but I've been shortlisted for another, potentially better, job.

If they offered me the job I'd ask them to wait 4 months for me to complete my maternity leave. In my industry it's usual to start within 2 months of a job offer. Should I mention in the interview what I'm on maternity leave and I wouldn't be able to start for 4 months? I'm concerned that if they offered me the job and I then dropped that bombshell afterwards they would think I wasn't being honest. However if I mention it in the interview I'd worry it could put them off offering it to me.

OP posts:

BMO · 05/02/2015 19:19

I'd wait until you are offered the job and then see if you can negotiated a start date.

PiperIsTerrysChoclateOrange · 05/02/2015 19:28

Where I work you have to come back after ML or you have to pay the enchantment back.

I would read the maternity policy in your current employer and make sure this isn't the case.

PiperIsTerrysChoclateOrange · 05/02/2015 19:29

The new company doesn't have to honour your maternity leave so you may be faced going back early or the offer withdrawn.

yetanotherchangename · 05/02/2015 19:36

Honestly I think you should be prepared to end your maternity leave early. They don't have to honour your maternity leave as Piper says. By the time the offer is out, etc, you will probably only be going back six weeks earlier than you intended?

Schweetheart · 05/02/2015 19:36

I'm in a similar position (although massively jumping the gun as I've only just applied and not even been contacted yet).

I can't start til 1st sept realistically as the job is abroad and we've got holidays and weddings planned through the year and I'm on mat leave and need to do 30 days back excluding annual leave otherwise I have to pay back my mat pay.

I can't decide what to say about being on mat leave really. I'd hate for it to just randomly come up and then it be awkward but then I'm worried they'll think I'm well out of the loop as I'm taking the full year.

Can you say you've got a 3 month notice period and work it like that?

Good luck!

GlitzAndGigglesx · 05/02/2015 19:41

When I had an interview on ML (6 weeks before due to return) I told a little white lie and said I had to give 4 weeks notice (this was correct btw) but I wouldn't be back at work for another week as I was on annual leave to hand in my notice. I didn't get the job but was told others had more experience. Probably bs but my story seemed to be bought!

MrsPiggie · 05/02/2015 19:44

At every single interview I had I was asked how soon I can start, so no way to avoid saying it. I also ask people I interview about their notice period etc. So how do you plan to approach it if you are asked directly?

zeezeek · 05/02/2015 19:47

It's fab that you have something better to go back to but few employers would be willing to wait longer than they have to for someone to start. Also, most employers do require you to either come back for a time or pay back entitlements (and tbh it is taking the piss a bit if you work for an organisation with good ML arrangements - though not if they are crap). Finally, a new job is pretty full on and you haven't yet worked since becoming a mother - new employers would be less likely to be accomodating about flexible working etc.

thatstoast · 05/02/2015 19:48

Well I wouldn't bring it up if they don't. However, discussions about availability are quite common in interviews. So if they ask when you'd be able to start then you have to say in 4 months, surely?

Are you not happy to go back earlier? What is your actual notice period? I planned on taking a year off but started a new job when DS was 8 months because it is absolutely the best job I could have at this point in my life and I would have been mad to turn it down.

Scholes34 · 05/02/2015 19:48

I know someone who went for an interview heavily pregnant and got the job. Honesty is best. Would you want to work for someone with such a negative attitude towards working mothers, if you feel they'd drop you anyway if they found out about the maternity leave? How do you think an employer might feel if you were less than honest with them?

Perhaps I'm a little naive about all this, or have just had good employers in the past?

confusedandemployed · 05/02/2015 19:54

I had an interview 6 weeks after DD's birth. I was due to go back to work about 5 months later.
I was completely honest with them (didn't occur to me not to be) and I got the job. They wanted me to start asap and I negotiated a start 4 months later. It was fine: we were both willing to compromise and understood each other's position. I think in these situations it always helps to be up front.

Original poster

PotWatcher · 14/02/2015 23:16

Thanks for all the advice. Yes they did ask me in the interview when I'd be able to start, so that was the point I told them I'm on maternity leave. They did offer me the job, and said I can start at the time I intended to finish my maternity leave. No pressure at all to start sooner.

OP posts:

ilovesooty · 14/02/2015 23:18

Congratulations.

WineIsMyMainVice · 14/02/2015 23:24

I work in HR. I would definitely advise you not to mention that you are currently on mat leave. Be prepared for the question When can you start, but just say 'My notice period is X weeks/months.' They would be on a really sticky wicket if they were to withdraw the offer after finding out that you are on maternity. And once they've decided they want you (hopefully!) they'll be more prepared to wait for you! Good luck!

WineIsMyMainVice · 14/02/2015 23:25

Sorry I've only just seen your last post....well done. Congratulations!! ??

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