Can I Get A New Job If I Am Noticeably Pregnant?

Can a professional get hired while pregnant? Do you know of anyone who is worried about this?

What would your advice to them be?

Even though it would be against the law to allow your pregnancy to affect the interviewer’s decision, the truth is, being noticeably pregnant can affect their decision.

Sarah’s Story:

“I am three months pregnant and I have a scheduled interview for a new job next week. I am worried that even though I am qualified, I may lose the opportunity because I am pregnant.

Unfortunately, many employers are looking for long term. If they see I am pregnant, they know right off that I will be taking a leave of absence after I am fully trained and they’ll somehow have to find someone to take over the workload while I am gone.

I know of a situation where the hiring manager and other executives were displeased and thought it unethical that the person they hired did not tell them she was pregnant.

But the truth is, if she had mentioned that, she would probably not have been hired.

She reported to work, went on maternity leave and came back, just as she said she would. The company values her as one of their best employees.

Is getting hired while visibly pregnant difficult? What advice would you give to a pregnant woman looking forward to job interviews? Please advise.”

What would you advise Sarah to do? Leave your comments below.