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Original poster

Job hunting on maternity leave

15 replies

Curleyhazel · 24/07/2013 22:43

I am applying for a new job but am currently on maternity leave. At what point would it be best to reveal the fact that I am on maternity leave to a prospective employer, my application, during the interview or only once they offer me a job?

OP posts:
ceeveebee · 24/07/2013 22:56

How much l

Original poster
Curleyhazel · 24/07/2013 22:59

on my application

OP posts:
ceeveebee · 24/07/2013 23:01

Whoops - posted too soon

How much longer do you intend to have off before you can start the new job (if you were to get it)?

Original poster
Curleyhazel · 25/07/2013 07:32

Ceeveebee, interviews are held in mid August and i would hope to stay on ml until end of October (at least). My official ml end in January. At my current work place I have 4 weeks notice period although I am in a senior position but I know lots of people have 3 months periods.... Nt really how to play this tbh.

OP posts:
Original poster
Curleyhazel · 25/07/2013 07:34

Oh dear, terrible spelling. I need that coffee now!

OP posts:
Original poster
Curleyhazel · 25/07/2013 07:40

Sorry, let me try and be clearer: DC2 is 6 months old and I would hope to be at home with her until mid/end of October at least, ideally until the end of November. My official ml end in January. I am quite keen on this job but I feel quite out of my depth applying so soon after having dc2.

It is quite likely that i will be short listed but what happens after that is, of course, anyone's guess. I'd just like to be as straight and clear with them as possible and not come across as unsure.... ( but I feel a bit unsure regarding starting date).

OP posts:
ceeveebee · 25/07/2013 08:52

I would probably mention it at interview, otherwise I would probably struggle to answer questions about current role etc without feeling like I was lying.
If you are interviewing mid August, they'd probably offer by end August and not expect you to start until 1 October at the earliest anyway, so I doubt the start date would phase them

Good luck!

flowery · 25/07/2013 11:22

It sounds as though beginning of October would be what they are looking at, but there's no reason you couldn't ask to delay that by a month if you are offered the job. Presumably a few weeks earlier than planned wouldn't be a deal breaker for you?

My answer would be different if you were hoping to delay starting for several months.

slev · 25/07/2013 12:42

I'd address it when they ask about your notice period - presume you haven't told them anything either way yet? As you say, people have varying notice periods anyway and they may well be anticipating having to wait 3 months. I'd just be honest and say you're current on maternity leave, looking to go back in November. You can then decide whether you want to offer them some flexibility with that, or whether you play hardball - knowing that if you offer them October, they'll almost certainly take it!

Good luck for the interview...!

Original poster
Curleyhazel · 25/07/2013 19:13

Thank you for the responses! I have to fill in an online application form and that there is a field where I have to specify my notice period. Do I say 4 weeks and that I am on maternity leave or should I just say 4 weeks and explain later?

How do think it might be viewed if someone is on maternity leave? It's an equal oportunity's emplyer, (a college).

OP posts:
gintastic · 25/07/2013 19:22

Good luck! I'm doing exactly this right now - I applied this morning :-)

DD was born in December, so a bit older and I had plans to be back at work mid September. My notice period is 1 month, so hopefully dates will work out perfectly.

I have been very upfront with recruitment agent about timescales etc and they were adamant its no problem.

Just got to wait and see if I get an interview, it's my dream job on paper...

Original poster
Curleyhazel · 25/07/2013 19:33

Gin that sounds encouraging, good luck to you too (-:

OP posts:
gintastic · 25/07/2013 19:43

I'm just really terrified about telling my current employer - I've been really positive about going back, been to meetings and got enthusiastic about projects in the pipeline - and I might have to call them and say "actually I've changed my mind". I have lots of good reasons for doing so (more money, better prospects, easier commute, more interesting work), but still terrified. I already know 2 fabtastic people who work for new company - I've always wanted to work for them but didn't have courage to send a spec application. Then I saw the advert yesterday and it was like fate.

I'm now so overexcited its bound not to happen

Fingers crossed for you!

Original poster
Curleyhazel · 25/07/2013 20:24

Sorry, just to double check: should I specify in the online application form that I am on maternity leave? There is a designated field where applicants have to enter their current notice period.

OP posts:
gintastic · 25/07/2013 20:44

Is there an "any other info" box? If they offered you the job on condition you started ASAP i.e 1 month would you turn it down?

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