Applying for a job during pregnancy

[Hanna09]

Hi,

I am due at the end of Feb '10 and have been looking for a job for a few months. Recently, I've been feeling that it's necessary to disclose my pregnancy to potential employers- but whenever I do, I don't get the job! My intention is to work until the end, and return to work as soon as possible after the baby. What is the standard expectation in this regard? Must I tell? Would I be looked at as dishonest if I don't? Would really appreciate some advice. I have a second interview next week for a part-time position and I don't want to lose the opportunity!

Thanks so much!

[Smoz]

ah its a hard one legally they can't NOT give you the job because of you're pregnancy but i don't know any employer that would be willing to give you the job so not telling is the only way i can see you getting the job. Saying that if i was an employer and found out someone hadn't told me i'd be ****ed.

Either way they don't have to keep your role for you as you won't of been with the company for a year so once you leave you leave basically.

My advice would be to go upfront and hope for the best, explain that you're expecting but you really want THIS job and that you plan to return to work quickly after, the thing is what will they do whilst you're away? they can't put someone else on for such a short time so i don't really know if it will work sorry

[tannedangel]

I started a new job when I was only a few weeks pregnant, and left when I was about 26 weeks pregnant, didn't tell them a thing. But in my case I knew Id be leaving before I was due and I was actually taking it all with a grain of salt.

I think though that the best you can do is say straight out and honestly that you are serious about this job, your pregnant and are having a very low risk pregnancy (you are aren't you?) and that you don't see that that should get in the way when you intend to work right to the end and return to work as soon as possible.
That way your telling them outright, and that you are serious about this job and most of all your being honest.

I dont really know what else to do. If you really wanted to not mention it and then tell them later then I think that would still be legal, but one cant be sure as to how they will take it, like you said.

[Kirley64]

I just had to go look for another job cuz we needed the money - i'm not due until the end of April and so i was just out of the first trimester when applying. I told them in my cover letter that i was so many weeks pregnant and i understand that this may affect their decision in employing me. However I am a hard worker and am willing to put in 100% and i hope they will consider me. I also just decided that for their sake i would accept a christmas casual position - and considering you are wanting to work until feb that would be a perfect position. casual pays better than ft or pt and at least then you get experience.
within a week of applying i had two interviews and had to turn down one place.
so there are employers out there who are still interested in hiring even if you are preggers good luck

[mitzy81]

Depending on what you do, could you perhaps do temp work through a job agency? It would give you variety and they always seem to be after temps. Good luck

[Lisa]

I left one job and started another when I was pregnant with Noah. I didn't tell my employer at the second job that I was pregnant. 3 weeks after starting at my job, I lost Noah. It was really awkward to have to explain to my boss that I was needing time off because I had lost a baby at almost 21 weeks pregnant... obviously it was something he was unaware of and I felt so awful for not telling him.
Anyway, my boss was lovely and I stayed working there until I was 4 months pregnant with Harrison, and it was only because they were closing my house down and building a new one (I worked as a display home hostess)

I agree with Kirley64 that Xmas positions would be perfect for you. I am actually considering applying for some myself

All the best for your job hunting and your pregnancy