From Bump to Boardroom: Applying for a Job While Pregnant

Applying for a job while pregnant can be scary and challenging. There is always that fear of how you will match up against the other candidates. You could also be worried that your pregnancy status might affect the potential employer’s decision.

But you don’t have to let an opportunity to grow your career or land your dream position go just because you are expecting. With a good plan in place, you can make the job hunt while pregnant process easier and less stressful for you.

Here are some tips on how to go about applying for a job while pregnant.

Be aware of your rights

When applying for a job while pregnant, you need to keep in mind that you are protected under the law. You have a right to be treated the same way as the other candidates. The employer can get in trouble for making hiring decisions based on your pregnancy. This means that they can’t give you a lower salary, refuse to give you an interview, or give you a temporary offer, because you are pregnant or are likely to get pregnant.

How does this help you? Knowing that you have equal rights as other candidates gives you the courage that you need to apply for jobs that interest you. You can also walk into the interview with confidence, which is vital in acing the interview.

 

Research about the job

Pregnancy can limit you from doing certain tasks. For instance, physically demanding tasks such as lifting things or working for prolonged hours can pose a danger to you and your unborn baby. You want to make sure that you are applying for jobs that are suitable for you and the baby. Moreover, while it is illegal for the employer to discriminate against you, you don’t want them to regret the decision after you are unable to carry out your assigned work.

Make sure to evaluate the jobs that you are applying for carefully. Be honest with yourself about what you can handle. Look at things like the schedule, commute, and duties of the positions before deciding to render your application. You can also research the company’s maternity leave while you’re at it. Knowing whether you qualify for maternity leave as a new hire is important.

Rethink the best time to disclose

You aren’t legally required to disclose to potential employers that you are pregnant. However, keeping the news until after you accept the offer can portray you in a bad way. On the other hand, being open about your pregnancy goes a long way in showing that you are honest, trustworthy, and dedicated to your job. When you disclose it, however, makes all the difference.

For starters, you can’t ignore the existence of unconscious bias. If you feel like talking about your pregnancy can influence the decision to hire you or not, consider revealing it at the later stages of the process. If the job demands are likely to affect your pregnancy, such as frequent traveling, consider talking about it during the interview. However, don’t focus so much on the pregnancy. Dwell more on your skills and qualifications regarding the job.

However, keep in mind that the employer is likely to have a lot of questions. For instance, he might want to know when you will be proceeding with maternity leave or when you will return to work after the leave. It is essential to prepare yourself with the right answers. For instance, you can use a baby’s due date calculator to determine when you can take maternity leave. If you already have another child, consider talking about how you returned to work after your previous maternity leave. This can reassure the employer of how you plan to transition back to work.  

 

Schedule interviews for when you are at your best

Pregnancy comes with some difficult symptoms that might affect how well you interview for roles. When interviewing while pregnant and scheduling your interviews, consider what you might be experiencing with the pregnancy. For instance, if you deal with nausea during the morning hours, it is wise to schedule the interview in the afternoon. The last thing you want is to keep taking breaks during an interview or to be too fatigued to answer questions. Choosing a time that you are at your best ensures that you stay focused throughout the interview. Also, this raises the odds of passing the interview.

Conclusion

If you are considering applying for a job while pregnant, don’t be hesitant. Despite your situation, you can easily apply and land a job that you have been eyeing. Keep in mind that the law protects you. In addition, decide on the best time to reveal the pregnancy. Also, consider what time of the day is best for interviews depending on pregnancy symptoms, if you have any.