Getting hired while pregnant, tips for interview

[OPOLisnotenough]

Hello!
I will have an interview with my bump quite visible at 24 weeks. I know the employer will not discriminate against me based on me being pregnant, but I also know they received 500 applications for this role (the HR told me) and can easily find a reason to offer the job to someone else. Has anyone had positive experience being hired while pregnant? And has any advice for me?
I probably wont do it, but I am considering bringing it up myself and telling them I plan to take minimal unpaid leave (I am not eligible to paid one) and will return to work in full capacity (part-time) by XX month. I believe the employer is not allowed to ask this question but would likely be pleased to hear this.
Any suggestions or words of encouragement? Thanks!

If they’ve already received 500 applications for the role then you have nothing to worry about as they are unlikely to hire you.

I hired a woman 7 months pregnant. In the interview she spoke of nothing but her skills and experience, which is what I was obviously most interested. I understand she had a good conversation with HR on her maternity related questions afterwards, which I felt was exactly the right time and place to do so.

Thank you, that's helpful. Does the question about planned vacations not come up during the interview? In my experience, the interviewing panel includes HR and people one will work with so that the interview is a combination of technical, personality, and conditions of employment topics.

Tbh I would advise/do my utmost to cement yourself as the best candidate for the role, and don't mention other things at that interview stage. No point putting barriers in your own way. Tell them about planned holidays once they've already decided they like you/as part of the negotiation process (unless of course they outright ask you in the interview - in which case be very matter of fact and simple about it).

HR aren't the ones making the final decision, so focus your attention on your would-be manager and colleagues and aim your questions at them and the job, don't go making them think your two weeks in Marbella are your top priority to get sorted.

To be clear, I also strongly advise against your idea about telling them how minimal your leave will be. It isn't helpful, and you have no idea how things will go; plus you should focus on the job as mentioned. Your functional job interview is not a place to mention your pregnancy-related items.

Wow, congrats on getting the interview! As others have said, don’t raise it as an issue. Recruiters are looking for personality, skills and a great fit for the team. Leave the HR stuff for after they’ve offered you the job - good luck!

Thank you :) I will do my best!

I like your approach very much. I will focus on my skills instead of already looking for the explanation for the possible rejection (which is very possible, pregnant or not).

Just one more question: do you mean/think that it is common in the UK that the HR-person (who, I assume, is the one asking the dreaded question about absences from work in foreseeable future) is not part of the interview panel and decision about the candidate? I am new to this having just moved from Germany.

It depends on the company. If they're on the actual interview panel, then they'll normally have some input into the decision as well, otherwise there's no point them being there really. If they aren't interviewing you, then no.

I've never asked about pre-booked holidays etc at interview. That would be a question alongside a start date if I made an offer.

I had an interview at about 37 weeks pregnant and they didn't realise!! I wore a fitted dress, blazer and a scarf which covered my bump. I wasn't trying to hide it but they were surprised when I mentioned it!! I got the job

I’ve never been interviewed by HR. Either the hiring manager, or someone who just deals with recruitment (eg for retail stores) instead of HR.

I would say don’t talk about planned leave of any kind until you’re actually offered the role.

That is cool! I am afraid I do not have the volume to hide it so perfectly but will look into some shape creating fabrics.

You mention you are from Germany. My understanding is a lot more mothers in Germany take extended periods of parental leave, up to when their child is three. Career breaks that long are pretty rare here. I would focus on the role and just do a normal interview. Do not raise your pregnancy or any plans for leave. I know someone who gained promotion two days before starting maternity leave.

Why is the hiring manager not HR?

Because they are the literally the person who will be your manager.

For office roles, i’ve always had interviews with the people who will be my managers.

Every company is different. In my firm, for example, you'd have a call with a recruiter first off. Then (depending on the role/seniority), calls with technical colleagues/technical tests, manager interviews, right up to leadership for a final culture fit. HR will get involved somewhere along that depending on how fast the process is moving, what other offers or candidates are involved and the urgency of the role. We don't do panel interviews at all.

You can ask the structure of the interview process, that's fine to do.

If I were the employer I would know I couldn’t hold you to anything you said in the interview about minimal time off etc. Even disregarding the possibility of medical problems, you might change your mind once the baby is born. So I'm afraid the other candidates would all have to be appalling before I gave the job to you. Sorry.

I took hiring manager to mean the manager of hiring.
What do you mean by hiring manager?

The manager who is hiring for the job.

Hiring manager is the person you will be working for on a day to day basis.

If you are an accountant, the Financial Director.
If you are a pastry cook, the Head Chef.
Etc.

HR are involved as the team who process contracts and new starter paperwork etc, but they won't be your direct boss once you start.