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When to mention child - interview process

3 replies

FlightofFancy · 24/03/2011 13:43

I'm half-heartedly looking for a new job, mainly because my current one combines an annoying commute, and also isn't very fulfilling at the moment (one or the other I could deal with!). I've got an interview at some point next week for something that could be good, and is near home.

I know there's no reason to mention having a young child at any point in recruitment process, but I do want to gauge how family-friendly the company is. Equally, because I don't need the job, I probably won't take it if they're massively against any flexible working (I don't think this is the case, based on a friend who worked for the company).

BUT, I don't want to completey scupper any chance of being offered the job because they think I'm planning to rush off and have number 2 (not planned at all), or I won't put the hours in (again, not the case).

So, do I not mention it at all until I get to a point where I'm offered something - and then find out more about policies etc. Or, do I mention in passing in the interview that I took a period of maternity leave last year, on the basis that if they're bothered, I don't want the job anyway?

Unfortunately its a US HQ'd company, so no info on what they offer/policies on recruitment bit of website.

OP posts:
Kiwinyc · 24/03/2011 14:11

i wouldn't mention a thing about your personal circumstances. Do the best as you possibly can to get through the interviews and in the event of an offer you can asking what their policies are regarding working flexible hrs, in particular what your managers thought are about it (This is key - if you don't have a supportive manager it doesn't matter how friendly the company policy is, you need your manager to agree), what sort of working pattern other team members do, and then start negotiating.

crw1234 · 24/03/2011 21:09

I wouldn't mention child at all -
you could ask in general terms about flexiable working at the inteview -lots of people could be interested in this - although they would proably assume you had a child - but I think Kiwinyc has it right - the key is your manager so in this case I would say wait until you are offered

FlightofFancy · 25/03/2011 09:09

Fair enough - its all theoretical at the moment anyway. Rumour has it that the company is pro flexible working, so I'll wait and see. Still bloody waiting for confirmation of interview date!

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