Found my dream job but 13 weeks pregnant!

[Freddie15VES]

Help!

I’ve never enjoyed my job, and it’s getting harder at the moment due to skeleton staff - so a lot of pressure from above.

I’ve seen my dream job advertised this morning. I’m 13 weeks pregnant but I really want to apply!!!

Do I have to tell them on application that I’m pregnant?

No you don't and they couldn't discriminate if you did.

However as a recruiting manager the deception used to really piss me off. I'd much rather employ an excellent pregnant candidate and plan to wait for them than be told several weeks in to the process.

Bear in mind if you are switching companies, you would potentially only be eligible for maternity allowance, not statutory maternity pay and it's unlikely you'd get contractual maternity pay. This isn't an issue for everyone but it was something I had to factor in when I got a job offer while TTC.

You could apply, you don't need to tell them you're pregnant but by the time interviews would be happening I'm assuming you'd be showing? At the worst case, I'd use it as a practice run and get a feel for the process/company/job.

Just apply! Don’t over think it. So much may or may not happen. Go for it

I’d probably agree that I would prefer a woman to tell me she was pregnant if I was recruiting. If she was my dream candidate for the job, I’d be happy to wait, & work around her maternity leave. Although pp is right that being in a new job would only entitle you to statutory maternity pay I believe. Definitely work a google to check that.

If it’s really your dream job, don’t waste a moment - and show them how passionate you are and what it means to you. I would rather employ a novice but super keen person, than an experienced but unmotivated person

I applied! And I have just had a call for an interview! But now I’m worrying when to tell them, shall I tell them straight away and how do I put it? I’m a very honest person and I don’t think I could cope with the anxiety of keeping a secret!!

Personally I'd tell them during the interview, but it may reduce your chances (even if it shouldn't really!!) and yes, think about maternity pay. If you're prepared to switch jobs at this point and to take the financial hit, it shows the company you are very serious about the role so you might be able to out a slight positive spin on it.

If you're a good match and it's a good company it's a great start to be open from the beginning and to see that the company is committed enough to you to wait.

If you don't tell them and are successful you risk feelings of guilt or resentment which might take some time to resolve...

Thanks @LoveSunshine01

Already had a big discussion about pay etc. I’d only be getting statutory at my current job anyway as you have to sign to pay you’ll return for minimum of 12 months after maternity and I don’t want that commitment when we can afford for me to just be on statutory pay!

Congratulations!

I wouldn't tell them; you have no obligation to.

My friend applied for a job and told them after she had been offered the job; this is how I would do it too

I don’t see it as deception. It’s entirely none of their business until you become their employee.