I'm applying for a new role at my current company. The applications closed about 6 weeks ago, and we're normally a company that moves fast, so I assumed the process would be complete by now. I work almost entirely from home so the interviews would all be on zoom, so I planned to only inform the interviewers/new manager I was pregnant after I received the offer. However, the process has taken so long that we now have a big in-person 2 day work event this week where I'll actually be seeing the interviewers and new manager in person.
I think I can still hide my bump, but this is my second child so it would take a real effort of clothing, sitting carefully etc. for the whole two day event, and there is a risk that it is more obvious than I think it is, so that no one is fooled. I'm also less comfortable with lying (even if only by omission) to people's faces rather than just not explicitly mentioning the pregnancy in an interview/email. On the other hand, while I work at a very good employer, it will of course be a worry that if they know I'm pregnant and going on leave in September they will give the role to someone else - I'm very well qualified but I know for sure there are other candidates.
It's a pretty ideal role and I've already done 9 months covering someone else's maternity in a very similar role so I'd be very disappointed not to get it, and if I didn't I would definitely worry it was because I'd disclosed my pregnancy. But on the other hand I know that people might feel more misled if I saw them in person and actively hid it, which might impact things I'm hoping to negotiate like salary and exact job title.
If I get the role I would start at the middle of July so only be in the role 2-3 months before maternity leave. I am planning to take the full year off and am not really willing to be flexible on that.
So what would you do? Make a real concerted effort to hide the bump and only inform after the offer is made, or be upfront and honest and hope that the individuals making this decision are as enlightened as our company purports to be?