Recruiters have a tough time interviewing candidates for different prominent positions in their firm or organization. They have to ask several questions and find out who is the eligible candidate in the lot.
Yet, the most challenging task can be interviewing while pregnant for a job position. The interviewer needs to be really careful not to ask questions that point to the pregnancy or physical condition as it may be regarded as gender discrimination.
Here are some simple guidelines that will help you interview a pregnant woman without creating any such misunderstanding:
prenatal interview
The health care provider (HCP) you choose for the birth of your baby is one of the biggest contributing factors to how you will birth your baby. Make sure that the HCP you choose is in line with your beliefs, values and goals for childbirth. If you find your chosen HCP isnt the right match for you, its never too late to change providers.
Ive been thinking that I want my husband and I to write a letter to my little guy, about my pregnancy with him, our hopes and dreams, stuff like that. Ive also been thinking that I want to take more (any) videos of me during the pregnancy, just as another way to preserve and remember this time.
This morning, I had a fun idea to combine them: having my husband sort of “interview” me on video. I can turn the camera on him too. So my question to this group: what are some questions we can ask each other? I can think of some pretty standard (boring?) ones, but Im wondering what others can come up with. Especially from moms who already have little ones: is there anything you wish you had recorded about this time, anything you wish you could better remember about your previous pregnancy(ies)?
Your rights as a pregnant candidate: The Pregnancy Discrimination Act
The legal basics of interviewing while pregnant are pretty simple.
In the United States, The Pregnancy Discrimination Act makes it illegal for a hiring manager to discriminate against you based on your pregnancy. Theoretically, pregnancy shouldnt be a factor in a hiring decision, unless it will obviously prevent the prospective employee from being able to do the work. You arent legally obligated to tell your prospective employer that you are expecting, and your employer isnt allowed to ask about it. There is one exception though, which is for employers with fewer than 15 employees — they are exempt from the Act due to their small size.
So, the legal groundwork is straightforward. But as one might expect, real life is more complex than legal theory. That explains why experts disagree on the right course of action for those who find themselves in these waters.
Some say that you shouldnt bring up your pregnancy in an interview, especially if you arent showing. Their position makes sense. After all, pregnancy is a temporary condition that isnt relevant to your professional qualifications. The job should simply go to the best candidate, pregnant or not.
Others believe its best to be upfront and provide full disclosure during the interview and hiring process. In addition to getting all the details of your situation, your prospective employer also gets an opportunity to observe how you handle a tough conversation, which could actually improve your odds of getting an offer. And, should the employer be unwilling to hire a professional that has (or will soon have) a child, you may reconsider wanting to work there in the first place.
Finally, there are some who advocate for the middle ground. Dont volunteer the pregnancy disclosure during the interview process, but do bring it up before accepting the offer. This path gives you the added advantage of having an opportunity to review the benefits package and better understand what flex time, time off, maternity leave, and subsidized child-care options you will have if you choose to accept the position.
How will I feel when I’m pregnant?
Everyone is different, but hormones can cause lots of changes in your body and the way you feel. Some of us may have tender breasts, get tired easily or feel sick (at any time of the day, and not just in the morning). Even if you were planning on becoming pregnant, realising that you are can still come as a bit of a shock, so don’t worry if you feel up and down.
FAQ
What are some questions to ask a pregnant woman?
- Questions Pregnant Women Ask:
- Question #1: How will I know if I am pregnant?
- Question #2: When should I see a doctor?
- Question #3: Should I consult a midwife or an OB/GYN?
- Question #4: Is bleeding during pregnancy normal?
- Question #5: Which foods should I avoid during pregnancy?
How should I interview during pregnancy?
Can you ask about pregnancy in an interview?
Where can I ask pregnancy questions?
