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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

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Original poster

Am I mad to consider applying/interviewing for jobs at 30 weeks?

22 replies

flymo79 · 21/05/2014 13:45

my current job is at risk and I am quite stressed about what the structure will look like/what will be offered/whether I will have a job to come back to. I'm 30 weeks at the moment and took the precautionary measure of updating my cv and sending it out to agencies. I've had a few nibbles, but when it comes to it I can't foresee an employer giving me a job if I stroll into the interview room at 30w+....

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eurochick · 21/05/2014 14:27

Hi flymo. I'm applying for new jobs at the moment (almost 26 weeks), but for when I come back off mat leave. I have a 3 month notice period anyway and am planning to return to work early in 2015, either to this job or a new one, so the timing isn't too off (as in my field it often takes a while to negotiate a move).

Original poster

flymo79 · 21/05/2014 16:06

oooh, good point euro. I also have a 3 month notice period so in that sense it may work out not looking so loony to be applying now!

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PeppermintInfusion · 21/05/2014 16:09

Depending what you so it could take time to find a new position so I would put it out there that you are looking and if something came up pre birth try to negotiate a start date. It would probably be better than disappearing off the recruitment radar and trying to look after ML.
I have has to work a 3 month notice period previously, so it is not unheard to wait a while for someone to start.

Your current employers should pay you any maternity due as part of your redundancy anyway, so if you found a new job and were maybe only there for a month or so you would still have that.

I suppose it depends on whether you were planning to take a longer maternity leave (6+ months)?

wannaBe · 21/05/2014 16:19

well, if you have a three month notice period anyway then that might work out if you're planning to go back straight after ml.

And your pregnancy will be immediately obvious - not the same as someone who walks into an interview at twelve weeks and doesn't let on they're pregnant, would have more issue with that tbh.

Original poster

flymo79 · 21/05/2014 16:29

thanks both. I haven't made any hard and fast plans re when I'd come back peppermint, the whole uncertainty round my job means I'm still not sure about the shape of things to come... could be what I'm offered is so unappealing I don't want to hurry back, but if I found an awesome job in the meantime I might want to get stuck in to that in six months...

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PeterParkerSays · 21/05/2014 16:30

I've appointed someone at 30 weeks. We appointed two people at the same interview - one the successful candidate, with bump, and the other her maternity cover for 9 months. Job done in one day.

It's just trying to get employers to see the benefits.

PeppermintInfusion · 21/05/2014 16:37

I understand where you're coming from, I'm ttc but at risk until end of the year and definitely away in December (2014 is going to be looonngggg!). Can potentially exit early but balancing getting great job with starting somewhere then leaving soon after or trying to look after ML or postponing ttc (there will never be a perfect time is my perspective at the min).

I would keep an eye out for roles at the min just in case your dream job appears and you can then negotiate. The worst they can do is say they can't wait.

kmini · 22/05/2014 09:33

What are you redundancy arrangements like? If they are generous, you may be better off holding out for redundancy. I have friends who have both received generous payments after having a quiet word with HR that it is something they would consider, which allowed them to take longer on their maternity leave.

Original poster

flymo79 · 22/05/2014 10:17

redundancy options not likely to be generous, unfortunately. I've only been in post for two years so I wouldn't put myself forward for voluntary severance

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PeppermintInfusion · 22/05/2014 10:30

The good thing is they will have to pay your maternity pay on top of your redundancy if you are let go(think once you are over 15 weeks when made redundant). You may be less likely to be chosen too if your whole team/dept isn't going as they may be worried about opening themselves to accusations of discrimination.

Original poster

flymo79 · 22/05/2014 12:17

thanks peppermint, they will be looking at my whole team though (very small). Just applied to a position and will see what happens. I am not holding out much hope though as I feel certain even if I'm invited for interview they will think twice about hiring old preggo!

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Boogles91 · 22/05/2014 13:49

i. cant wait to find a job again!

gatti · 22/05/2014 14:09

Boogles91 are you based in London?
ABC Selfstore Camden is recruiting!

livingzuid · 22/05/2014 14:55

I went for an interview at 31 weeks and got the job. Not all employers are dinosaurs although I did experience discrimination from other places. Go for it and good luck :)

livingzuid · 22/05/2014 14:56

And the way I figured it, would I want to work somewhere who wouldn't want me just because of my pregnancy? Not somewhere I would fit in and an employer who is prepared to wait for you is in itself a good sign :)

Original poster

flymo79 · 22/05/2014 16:33

thanks zuid - congrats on getting that job! must have been a brilliant feeling with so much else going on!

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livingzuid · 22/05/2014 18:01

Thank you :) I lost my last job because I was pregnant and also was offered another who then withdrew the offer when they found out I was 10 weeks so I was very cynical! I have hired pregnant women before, one at eight weeks and I would much rather have had her for six months then someone shite for years.

I will be starting two and a half months after the birth and dh will be a stay at home dad so for me that was the compromise. But I have had my feet up since January so can't complain. I am in the Netherlands and maternity leave is only sixteen weeks here so I would have had to have gone back to work around the same time anyway so it made little difference (both employers who did not want a pregnant woman were English I am sad to say as Dutch anti discrimination law against pregnant women is even stricter than in the UK).

Other employers do as I know a pp outlined, hire the maternity cover at the same time as the permanent post for the pregnant lady. So it certainly is possible. And by law they should not be discriminating against you. It happens :( but don't let that put you off at all. Some see past the bump to the good employee.

livingzuid · 22/05/2014 18:04

Sorry should add my role is back in the UK. So there are some good ones. The interviews I had with Dutch companies when pg were great and they didn't bat an eyelid at my bump.

Original poster

flymo79 · 23/05/2014 13:07

great news zuid, I am going for a role within healthcare and am hoping they will see the candidate not the bump... got called for an interview! eek!

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livingzuid · 23/05/2014 14:24

Ooh how exciting! Good luck am sure you will nail it :)

Original poster

flymo79 · 23/05/2014 17:04

thank you! so many questions but will have to cross each bridge as I come to it.

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Original poster

flymo79 · 02/06/2014 14:16

so I went for the interview and one of the people on the panel just stared at my bump! didn't even try to disguise it! I think he must've been thinking it was a complete waste of his time, in fact at one point I think I heard him do a sort of impatient sigh... oh dear. not feeling very positive about it. I really wish there had been someone from HR there as then I would have felt that they knew the law, (i.e. I'm entitled to be interviewing for a job and they have to consider me) and if it turns out that I'm the best candidate they have to be transparent about that... this way I feel they might fudge it

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