When do you reveal a pregnancy to an employer or potential employer?

1. 62

   mcgreg28posted 12 years ago

   Is it possible to get hired at 17 weeks pregnant? Also, do you tell the interviewer before or after hire?

   replyreport
   1. 60

      paradigmsearchposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Investing in a new employee that is going to disappear in a few weeks can be devastating to a small business. However, it is also equally unfair for a pregnant woman to be discriminated against.
      
      The only answer that comes to mind is to only apply at large companies. But if you tell them beforehand, they won't hire you. If you don't tell them, that's equally unethical in that you are withholding a material fact.
      
      No easy answer here. Except, maybe...
      
      Apply at every temp agency in town!!!
      
      Tell them your situation, try to get a temp job that fits everyone's mutual time requirements.

      replyreport
2. 59

   win-winresourcesposted 12 years ago

   Hi Mcgreg-
   
   I think a critical component is what the mother's plans are for postpartum work.  If the mother plans to return to work in, say, a couple of months, then the employer may not see all of his training as lost. 
   
   The really tough part is that a potential employer can not legally ask any such questions about whether an applicant is pregnant or what her plans are. 
   
   As a director of a very  large government agency for 20 years, this issue came up repeatedly.  After I would explain (to every applicant) how important continunity is to the agency and how much time and money we have to invest to get an employee to a solid contributing position, I would feel absolutely betrayed if an already, but not obvious, pregnant applicant did not voluntarily share that information and her postpartum plans.
   
   In many cases where the pregnant applilcant revealed the information and their plans to return to work within a couple of months, it did not affect my decision and I would hire them without a second thought.  I would arrange for work from home, part time, or telecommuting where appropriate.
   
   Taking a job to just get the health insurance, with no intent to fulfill the ongoing responsibilities of the job, is unethical. 
   
   I realize this sounds harsh and unfeeling.  Unfortunately everyone has responsibilities, and a boss has to hold his/her responsibilities in proper light.
   
   Wish there was an easier answer.
   
   -DW

   replyreport
   1. 62

      mcgreg28posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you. I do plan on going back after 3 weeks or so. Also, I would not be concern about the insurance since I already have my own private insurance. Personally, i think that upfront honesty is the best way but i've been told otherwise.

      replyreport
3. 59

   win-winresourcesposted 12 years ago

   As an addendum to my comments above, I wanted to add the following.  The same thinking would apply to a nonpregnant woman or a man if they were planning any sort of long term absence and did not reveal it (surgery, school, relocation).
   
   -DW

   replyreport
4. 60

   paradigmsearchposted 12 years ago

   I just stumbled across this. The theory of synchronicity says I should post it.
   
   http://shine.yahoo.com/parenting/11-thi … 00075.html

   replyreport
   1. 59

      win-winresourcesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Mcgreg-
      
      Trust your gut.  Honest is always the best policy.  If a person does not have ethics, they have nothing - regardless of any pedigree.
      
      -DW

      replyreport
5. 62

   prettydarkhorseposted 12 years ago

   Tell them the truth, what is at stake, your availability after and your plans.

   replyreport
6. 82

   breastpumpreviewsposted 12 years ago

   I have always been told to tell them after they offer you a position.  However, at 17 weeks if your showing, you might not be able to hide it easy.  Legally they can't ask you if your pregnant.

   replyreport
7. 60

   Monisajdaposted 12 years ago

   Just a thought. Before my first baby was born I was sure I would be coming back to work as soon as I could. Having my newborn in my arms I changed my mind and never went back to work. Things change as you adjust to a new role.

   replyreport
8. 81

   Melis Annposted 12 years ago

   I wouldn't want to keep that information in my back pocket ~ think of how awkward it would be if you got that job and had to work with all those people that you withheld that information from. You will have to be confident in your interview, explain your plans to return after maternity leave and work hard to help the employer feel assured you are the right candidate. Hopefully you have past examples of previous employment you can demonstrate loyalty and commitment.

   replyreport