Will jobs hire you if you're pregnant

Job applications and interviews when pregnant

To begin with, being pregnant does not exclude you from getting employed. Many women find new employment while pregnant, and there are rules in place to safeguard you.

Employers (or would-be employers) with 15 or more workers are not permitted to make employment choices based on pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition under the Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978. That is, as long as you can perform the essential tasks of the job, a firm cannot refuse to employ you just because you are pregnant.

You are not required by law to inform potential employers that you are pregnant. You don't have to say anything if you're obviously showing. It is entirely up to you whether or not you inform them (and when).

However, federal law does not prohibit employers from inquiring whether you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. It is, however, unlawful if they refuse to employ you because you are pregnant or suggest it is in your future plans.

Fortunately, hiring managers normally avoid asking such questions since they might lead to legal difficulties (for example, if a woman is not hired and believes it is because of her pregnancy).

Other potential interview questions that might lead to unlawful discrimination, in addition to asking whether you're pregnant or intend to get pregnant, include:

Are you married or planning to marry?

Do you have children or do you intend to have children?

How old are your kids?

Do you have plans for childcare?

Is your spouse employed? What is his or her profession?

Again, most companies do not ask these kinds of inquiries. If a recruiting manager does ask you one of these hard questions, you may be at a loss for words. You may, of course, decline to respond, but you might want to take advantage of the chance to demonstrate why you're an excellent candidate.

Address the employer's issues or highlight your skills. For example, you may say, "Yes, I'm pregnant." Because my due date is in August, I'll be well prepared for the company's January crunch." "I do have a kid," for example. I'm also incredibly dedicated to my profession. In fact, in my last employment, I was recognized for having flawless attendance."

When should you inform your boss about your pregnancy?

When you inform your employer (or soon-to-be boss) you're pregnant is ultimately up to you. It is not necessary to mention it in your cover letter or during a pre-screening phone or video interview.

It is entirely up to you whether you disclose your pregnancy during the in-person interview. Every woman's circumstance is unique, but as a general guideline, transparency is a good idea.

Sure, you can attempt to hide your growing stomach from an interviewer and keep your mouth shut with your employer once employed. However, the news will ultimately leak, and remaining silent for too long may result in a loss of confidence. After all, your supervisor hadn't expected the recently trained team member to go on leave (maternity leave) so soon.

If you decide to bring up your pregnancy during the recruiting process, some experts advise waiting until the end of a second interview (after you've dazzled them with your expertise and talent) to bring it up.

Others advise waiting until you've gotten a formal offer before sharing your good news as part of the negotiation. The outcome of that conversation will give you a decent notion of how family-friendly the firm is, which may be preferable to know now rather than later.

Getting a career while pregnant and succeeding

In many respects, finding work while pregnant is similar to finding work at any other time. However, there are several things you should remember about your pregnancy. These pointers may help you enhance your odds.

Make some preparations.

Investigate the firm and the job you're applying for. Determine if parental leave benefits (if any) are available to new recruits. Many organizations only provide paid maternity leave to employees who have been with the company for a specified number of time.

Don't make your interview about pregnancy.

During an interview, your aim is to impress the company with your talents, knowledge, and winning personality. If you want to discuss your pregnancy (remember, you are not legally required to do so), make it short and then go on to emphasize your professional skills.

Keep your schedule in mind.

Schedule job interviews at a time of day when you are most comfortable. If you have nausea first thing in the morning, choose the afternoon hours. If you know you'll be tired later in the day, try to finish those interviews before noon.

Accepting a job offer while expecting a child

If you receive a call back from a job that offers you a position, perform your little dance! Then get down to work.

If you've already revealed your pregnancy, the powers that be are most certainly already aware. However, depending on how far along you are, if you haven't yet indicated that you're pregnant, now could be a good moment to do so. Many women conceal their pregnancy until the end of the first trimester.

When discussing employment requirements and negotiating a wage, don't forget to ask about benefits that may effect your and your baby's health care coverage, maternity leave, and return to work.

Some questions you should ask your future boss:

What medical services are provided?

When does health insurance coverage begin?

What is the company's policy on maternity leave?

Is the firm providing short-term disability (STD)?

What are the prerequisites if the employer does provide STD?

How long are STD benefits valid?

The employer should not treat you differently after everything is out in the open. If the company suddenly withdraws its offer, hires you but treats you unfairly in comparison to coworkers, or you have other reason to believe you're being discriminated against because you're pregnant, consider filing a charge of discrimination with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

Things are unlikely to reach that stage. Many organizations, regardless of pregnancy status, are eager to acquire a trustworthy, loyal, and talented employee. So, although looking for work while pregnant might be difficult, it is entirely possible. Get out there and find work!