Job Interview - Would you tell?

[Peace]

I have a job interview tomorrow for a permanent part time position. I finished studying this field in December last year and am really eager to get started. I also really need the money. Tomorrow I will be 15 weeks pregnant and I am torn as to whether or not to tell them. I feel that it would cost me a chance at getting that job. Physically I could hide it for a while longer. But is it morally wrong to not disclose this information? That I can only work for 5 months or so before going on maternity leave... Or does every employer take that risk of losing an employee after only a few months, pregnant or not. Eeek I keep going around in circles. Advice? Opinions? Experiences?

TIA

[nothing2lose]

I think you should tell.

[Frantelle]

I think that you need to disclose that you are pregnant.

Although it is illegal for them to not hire you because you are pregnant - realistically they could simply dismiss you during your probationary period for no "cause" when they do find out that you are pregnant.

Good luck

[Traveller]

At 15 weeks I would tell although you don't have to. My thought would be that it could be an unpleasant working environment if you hide it from them.

[Arimeh]

I went for a job interview when I was 12 weeks pregnant with DS. I told them and it worked out great, my boss was wonderful and make it a shared job position that I did with another lady when I came back from maternity leave (unpaid though).

I'd tell them.

[Joeve]

Yes I would tell them. Given you will be on mat leave in a few months there is no obligation for them to hold the role for you anyway. I think it would be best to be honest and perhaps you could share your plans around mat leave so if they choose to hire you then they could work around what you are wanting in terms of time off.

[Peace]

Yep I know your all right. I think I was just looking for an excuse to woos out because I really need the work. I know legally they can't discriminate, but no doubt they would just give another reason.

[Rivlas]

Tell them and ask if they were ever thinking of trying it as a share position.

If the PM details her wish tomorrow, job sharing will be the norm in many jobs

[Peace]

What does share position mean exactly?

[MantaRay]

They can't not give you the job because you are pregnant. In a way it might help you get the job because they could be worried that if you don't get it you'll think that's why....But in any case, telling them is the best way to go.

[Joeve]

Share as in job share where 2 people split the hours like 2 part timers.

[Doing my best]

What does share position mean exactly?

I'm in a share position. I work 2 days, the other girl works 3. It is a full time role, so we just pick up where the other finishes up. I work in the freight industry, and our customers and co-workers are all fine with the arrangement.. For us it was a case of the bosses letting us both go part time, or lose us both..

ETA: to answer in original question. Yes I would be up front about bring pg.

[Peace]

Oh I get it now. I can see how that would be awesome for a full time position but this this job is only part time 20-25 hours a week so not a lot to share around unfortunately ...

[Mrs O'M]

While you are not legally obliged to tell them until 10 weeks before you plan on taking leave, it would probably be the best way to start your working relationship by being upfront.

If all goes well then perhaps they will be happy to have you back once your maternity leave is over.

[AnyDream]

You could withhold during the interview (because it shouldn't make a lick of difference), and disclose once the job offer is made. That way you've told them as early as you can in terms of their practical planning without the danger of being passed over for the position.

[Jaycee]

I agree with Marydean, I wouldn't say anything in the initial interview, but would definitely disclose before signing a contract.

[LizLemon]

I would disclose. While you are under no obligation I think you still need to be fair to a potential employer.

[Peace]

I think I might leave it til the end of the interview and assess how it has gone. If its gone well and I'm feeling confident, I will disclose it. If it hasn't gone well and I'm doubting my chances, i'll keep it to myself.
So nervous!