A pregnant woman's guide to interviewing for a new job

Searching for a new job is challenging for anyone, but trying to find one when you’re pregnant adds a host of additional obstacles.

You might face employers who are wary about bringing on someone new only to have you go on maternity leave soon after. And as Caroline Stokes, founder of Vancouver-based executive search and coaching company Forward says, “No matter what, there will be a bias or belief that [once you have your baby] you will quit the job or not give 100%.”

But that’s not to say that some initial bias can’t be overcome. That’s where your skill as an interviewer comes in. Here are some guidelines to follow:.

Don’t disclose that you’re pregnant if you don’t have to

Not only is it illegal to ask about your family life, but it’s also no one’s business, Stokes says.

So don’t bring it up, because they absolutely should not.

“Unfortunately, the moment children, babies, or pregnancy is mentioned, there’s a very high probability that your credibility as a candidate or long-term prospects as an employee has eroded,” she says.

If you aren’t yet showing, simply don’t bring it up. 

But if you are showing, be upfront about it

“If you are pregnant and showing, to not disclose it will subject you to a bias that you have no control over,” says Roy Cohen, a New York–based career coach and author of The Wall Street Professional’s Survival Guide.

His advice: Address your pregnancy head-on if it’s obvious. “You’ll take a proactive approach to managing what people think, and then they respect you for it,” he says.

Steer the conversation back to your strengths

Ideally, you want to mention you’re pregnant, and briefly address any concerns the hiring manager might have. “Talk about how committed you are and what your plan is to balance both pieces of your life,” says Angela Copeland, a career coach and owner of Memphis-based Copeland Coaching.

Then, get back to talking about what you can contribute to the company. “Don’t allow the interview to become all about your pregnancy,” Copeland warns. “Address it, and then get back to the things you want to talk about.”

Mention your other children (if you have any)

If you’re in a position (as in, obviously pregnant), and you’ve already opened the door to talking about your family life, it’s ok to mention any other children you have. Having other kids at home can ease concerns that you won’t return to work after maternity leave ends.

“If this is your second or third child, you’re able to show them you know what it’s all about and with conviction can say you’ll return to work because it’s not something you’re unfamiliar with,” Cohen says.

Reflect on how the hiring manager makes you feel

Copeland recalls interviewing for a vice-president role a few years ago when the hiring manager asked if she was married, had kids, or planned to have kids in the future. “I answered the question honestly, but then I made a note in the back of my mind like, ‘I’m not quite sure this is the person I want to work for,’” she says. (Incidentally, those questions are illegal and never should have been asked in an interview. Copeland’s instincts were probably right.)

She suggests other job seekers do the same and really consider if the company will be the right fit for you as a mom. “As candidates, we often go in and hope the company will pick us, but in reality, we also need to be evaluating the company to see if it’s a good fit,” Copeland says. “You want a company that’s going to be supportive of you and your personal goals on top of what you’re doing for them.”

Don’t stress too much if you’re in high demand

“If you’re in an industry where there is high demand for what you do and your reputation is outstanding, then companies will ignore the fact that you’re pregnant,” Cohen says.

They’ll be eager to lock you in. “For them, it’s a futures contract,” Cohen says. You may be unavailable for a few months, but what you’ll bring to the company in the long run makes hiring you worthwhile.

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