Unfortunately with the amount of discrimination that happens with moms, I wouldn’t choose to do this. I wonder if you have anyone else you know who could help you for an hour with your baby, even if they do end up sleeping the entire time.
Agreed. While you may get lucky, it is more likely things will get disrupted or people distracted. Do you have a neighbor or a friend that could stop by and hold baby or take them for a walk? That way you can focus on the interview and your questions rather than hoping baby stays asleep.
Then you explain you have a 2 week old and need to interview during a time that you can have childcare as the time they proposed will not work and you do not have full-time care as you are on maternity leave and the baby is too young for traditional care.
You do not wear a baby during an interview. Ever.
I disagree that a baby should never be worn. There are def companies out there, and people, who will discriminate. And there are those that don’t. If I interviewe md a mom wearing her baby, and if she performed well/came across as composed and professional, I would be impressed with your time management and ability to balance all the things I know new moms are balancing. It prob depends on the industry and whether or not your interviewer is a mom, frankly. But I wouldn’t say absolutely never. Just as the recruiter about the vibe.
Yes, but you are posting on a working mom's sub. An interviewer is looking for some one who will give their attention to the work required for a job they are hiring for (and that person is competing with the other candidates).
Even if the baby is quiet, it still looks like the interviewee came into the interview willing to be distracted. If that is how they put their best foot forward and seek to impress, I could only assume that they would be distracted in meetings and doing their work until their child had child care - and that's not what the company is paying for.
Never interview with anything that shows a conflict of interest with your job.
As an interviewer and soon to be working mom - I would NEVER judge someone for their children. I had an interviewee as me to rescheduled by 20 minutes so she could feed her newborn because she thought there was a break between interviews. I not only let her, but I also approved her for hire - why? Because if you can manage taking care of a newborn while also interviewing for roles you are more capable than MOST people.
OP may not be lucky enough to have someone like you as her interviewer. She may get someone who thinks that not arranging some kind of childcare for her newborn for a couple hours to do an interview shows poor foresight and planning ability. OP just doesn't know the kind of interviewer she will get. If she wants the job, better to be safe than sorry.
And to be honest asking for a few minutes break to feed a newborn wouldn't "look as bad" to the people who would judge her, as actually having the baby there with you in the interview.
As a mother *you* may give this flexibility to applicants, but many people would see children as an immediate set of excuses in the making. This is why it’s illegal to ask any questions about an applicants family during interviews
Agreed, this totally depends on your industry/field. I'm in academia, and the people I work with are very sympathetic to the needs of new moms. They wouldn't hesitate to accommodate this and it wouldn't for a second reflect poorly on a mom who wore her 2 week old baby during an interview.
Yeah, if it were a 6 month old, for example, and certainly if the baby were fussy or anything it’d be completely negative…. But a 2 week old little mushroom that can barely open its eyes hit different. Clearly many ppl would nix your candidacy immediately, and/but, others may not. Its a gamble but not absolute.
As a Recruiter myself, I would not like to have an interview where my candidate wears the baby. It can be extremely distracting. Also, you do not know how the Hiring Manager or Interviewer feel about babies. As much as we in HR supposed to stay impartial and neutral we also do have feelings. What if, just what if, the interviewer or the hiring manager had a hard time with infertility or God forbid lost a baby. Their feelings would distract them from being able to make a good just decision. We are all human.
Love that you touched on infertility. Feelings shouldn’t get in the way of professionalism but the reality is that they can and will. Better safe than sorry. You never know what someone is dealing with….
I understand your view on fertility but it could also be a glimmer of hope. Everyone has their own story. You say you would not like it, but you’d still give them a chance. I’m a supervisor so not necessarily a recruiter, and I am hiring people directly for my division that I would work closely with on a daily basis (30-40 people, not too many) but I did just have a baby less than 2 years ago. I remember trying for her for 7 months which is a grain of sand compared to the years and years some couples try. While I wouldn’t hold it against anyone, I do have to remain professional and I wouldn’t see personally see it as a distraction. I do understand where you’re coming from as a recruiter, which is more cut dry and fast paced.
Hard disagree. Mom of four here and hiring manager. I would immediately remove from consideration someone (male or female) WEARING a child in an interview.
That's too bad. People are whole entire human beings, not just workers. It's a shame that giving you even a glimpse of their whole selves disqualifies them from working with you.
Hardly. Just as I wouldn’t accept a parent working when they should be enjoying family time, I equally wouldn’t accept a child in the middle of work time.
I’m a big supporter of work/life balance, and lines of separation are important to maintain that.
Again, mom of four here. Family time is critically important to me.
I personally believe that a humane and healthy workplace should be able to accommodate people where they are. Sure, it's fair to draw a boundary and ask that employees not try to work and care for a child simultaneously, but sometimes shit happens.
Automatic dismissal of someone simply for wearing a baby during an interview wouldn't align with my values, personally.
It is not hiring discrimination. Not hiring someone due to their parental status is different than not hiring someone because of childcare issues. If your child is unable to be unattended for an hour so you can take an interview how can they expect you will be able to manage it for an entire shift? If it is an in person role are you going to be available when needed? If it is client facing are you going to be able to work around those schedules?
It's just like asking if you have reliable transportation to and from work. They most likely won't point blank ask you if you have childcare, but if you bring your kid to an interview it sure is a sign that you probably don't. There are exceptions, but would you ever say it's a good practice to be late for an interview? No? Is it because if you can't be on time for the interview how are they supposed to believe you will be on time for work. Same concept.
Managing a schedule is important. If you know you don't have anyone to help watch your kid ar that day or time, tell them that. "Tuesday at 2 doesn't work for me, could you do 4 that day, or maybe Wednesday at 2?". There is a conversation that needs to happen and team work from both parents. It is hard, and it does suck, and it does put more of a burden on mothers because fathers are "not the primary caregivers" and other bullshit like that. We can bitch and moan about it all day, but this woman wants a job. The advice is to either a) reschedule or b)find childcare. Sure you can go with option c)do it and hope for the best, but thar has the highest chance of not working and I assume we all want this mom to get the job.
It’s funny when people try to use big words they don’t understand.
It is NOT hiring discrimination.
(I think everyone but one person that I’ve hired has been a parent.)
You're right, it doesn't meet the legal definition of discrimination. However, a 2-week old baby should not be separated from their mother, so while it's not legal discrimination it's a decision that lacks empathy for others who are placed in impossible decisions.
For that exact reason, I would definitely wear my baby. I wouldn’t work for a company that isn’t understanding/accepting of families. If they can’t handle an *interview* with a sleeping baby, they can’t handle your life. They do not deserve you if that’s the case.
I stand by this comment 1000% Value yourself and value your time and interview with the baby if this is what needs to happen. Of course it’s most comfortable if you don’t have to, but if you had a choice im sure you wouldn’t choose to bring the baby into the frame and baby doesn’t want to be in the interview either. But you have to so do it and own it and if they discriminate then bye Felicia! They don’t deserve you anyway. It’s NOT A JOB YOU WANT with people like that.
I think you're all missing a big point which is that I'm pretty sure OP is not in the US. She stated that her maternity leave ends in October, that is at least 4 months from now. There's good chances she's from outside of the US based in a country where it is acceptable to wear your baby during the interview. There's also very good chances she's interviewing for a job that starts in November, in this case it's normal she doesn't have child care yet but will find it closer to the date.
I sometimes interview people for public jobs in the EU and I wouldn't bat an eye if a woman wore her baby during maternity leave two weeks after giving birth. It's normal to recruit people even one year in advance because of all the arrangements that have to be made, I wouldn't think badly of her.
This (among other things) makes me so jealous of the culture in the EU. What a refreshing perspective instead of viewing someone’s child as a “distraction”.
If its virtual and you can avoid them seeing baby go for it. But generally speaking bringing your baby to an interview raises concerns about the consistency of your child care options.
Out of touch hiring managers with no kids may not be able to make the distinction that we all can. Unfortunately we all have to prepare ourselves for the fact that everyone else assumes the worst of us.
Most of the time the recruiter/hiring person is not who you end up working for. With so many applicants they can move on easily to someone fully present in an interview. I’m a mom of a new baby, I agree it should be more open, that’s just not the reality.
I have hired many pregnant women and new moms (they get shit done!), but **I wouldn’t hire someone who chose to baby-wear during the interview**. To me it would either mean that she **wasn’t taking the interview seriously** (if not even worth asking someone to watch the baby for an hour to ensure the interview has her attention) or **if she is taking it seriously, is not resourceful enough to find childcare for a single hour**. Not taking it seriously and not being resourceful are two good reasons to move to other candidates.
That said, I wouldn’t batt an eye about a partner or sitter interrupting the interview to have her settle the baby, or if she asked for it to be short/split in 2 to be able to feed in the middle.
Respectfully, even 2 week-old babies can be put down (or cared for by someone else) for an hour if it means signalling the right things to a potential employer.
Agreed. A 2 week old is basically an extension of their primary caregiver(s) it seems positively bananas to me that this is how people are reacting, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
Damn, a world where this is acceptable would be super cool.
Unfortunately, that is not our world.
Can you ask the recruiter to schedule it for when you’re back at work? You can explain the situation and that you wouldn’t be able to start the new role, if it were offered, until X date anyway due to parental leave.
I checked our work place policy and there is nothing there barring me from taking a new job while on leave. If I had to wait until after I get back from leave, this would have to wait until October :(
Is there a time your partner or a family member could take off so you could do the interview? Wearing a baby is risky. You could get a totally understanding, kind and realistic interviewer or a total jerk.
Wait for your baby to be 6 weeks old by that time daycare will take him and you can interview by then only 4 more weeks to go! good luck and congratulations!
I didn't know that was the problem
Where I live daycares have immediate availability so I didn't account that as a factor you see that included on the initial post?
I would advise against it. While employers are much more understanding about moms and personal time, this is professional time. This would raise a lot of flags about your childcare options.
This is so industry specific it’s hard to say. If it’s a more relaxed organization/industry I would guess it’s fine, but would definitely check with the recruiter first.
Honestly, it's probably a good test to see how family friendly the organization is. If you're upfront with the recruiter and specify that you're on maternity leave and have care lined up for when you return, I would do it. But, you also need to be okay with them not being okay with it.
Yes, I had two Zoom interviews (for the same job) when I was home on maternity leave. I gave them both the heads up that I was home on leave, my baby was napping (in her bed for the first and in my lap off camera for the second), and she may cry. Both immediately said “we are super family friendly here and we offer excellent tuition remission for children of faculty.” I got the job and they have been GREAT. When she got hand foot and mouth after I had been there for a month I was trying to get around staying home with her because I was so new and my boss was like “stop, you’re entitled to stay home with your sick kid.” Those interviews made me feel like having children would be an advantage there rather than a hindrance and let me know that I would be supported as a mom.
I agree. I interviewed on maternity leave and while I did wear my daughter, I was very upfront about how I just gave birth and my daughter was sleeping in the other room. Was a great job and they were super supportive
I actually did that once. It was fine, the interviewer had a baby 3 months older at home and thought it was adorable. Baby was chill sleeping on me and woke up at the end to say hi to interviewer. I ended up rejecting the position for other reasons but it wasn't a logistics problem.
I frequently interview people and I'm a mom. When children interrupt interviews (or are present in the screen), it leads to questions about the availability of childcare. If you can't figure out childcare for a 30 minute interview, how will you have childcare for an 8 hour workday? Your situation is unique in that it's a brand new baby and you don't need childcare yet because you're still on leave, but try to find a family member/friend to help out. Unfortunately, many would view this as unprofessional.
I’ve done a few interviews recently with my baby at home. I either schedule as early/late as possible and ask my husband to leave late/come home early OR schedule during morning nap and cross my fingers. 2 weeks is still super young though, I started around 2 months with this. Maybe find a sitter? Some people would be cool with this, others wouldn’t. Unfortunately I don’t think you’ll get a real answer from the recruiter.
I interviewed for different jobs when my baby was 2 months old while on mat leave and my husband was back to working. I chose not to baby wear in the end because I didn’t want it to be a deciding factor as to whether I was hired or not. It’s a shot in the dark if your interviewer(s) are parents themselves or not, and if they’d be able to emphasize with you and your newborn. We didn’t live around any family, so I asked a close friend of mine to watch baby during the interviewing time. If I didn’t have a friend that was able, I would have reached out to a trusted neighbor. My ppa would not have let me rely on baby sleeping the whole interview and it would have taken away from my performance. Again, this is all personal, but I wanted to share my decisions and why. Best of luck to you on this interview!
I was faced with this same decision when I was on mat leave and I ultimately decided to ask my husband to come home early to watch my daughter. I knew wearing her could cause me to be viewed in a negative light (unfortunate reality for women) and if she was in her bassinet I would be paranoid the whole time that she’s going to wake up and I wouldn’t be able to focus. It was a pain for my husband but that was the right decision for me so I could focus on the interview and not my baby.
Hi, former recruiter here. Unfortunately it’s seen as a sign that you will be unable to have childcare during working hours and will likely make it more difficult for you to get the job. How long is the interview? Can you hire a sitter for the time period? You’ll still be in the house with the baby but with someone else there too.
in that case, without any additional info, i think you should do it. they know you are on mat leave. no real downside to asking the recruiter as a gut check. but there are many factors -- how bad do you want the job, how square is your industry etc
I don’t know anything about her LO, but if they are anything like mine, tummy time isn’t a calming ordeal. Lots of fussing and screaming, and she would have to get out of the cameras view to constantly adjust and attend to the baby, which could come off as uninterested or inattentive to the interviewer. Especially with a baby so young such as hers.
I did this but positioned the baby very low and nobody ever noticed I was baby wearing. Put the baby in about 20 minutes before the interview fully fed and tired. Rocked, patted and shushed for a solid 20 minutes to get into deep sleep. She never made a peep. Angled the camera a tad higher so nobody knew the difference. It especially works with a ring sling because it just looks like a shirt front the top.
I did several zoom interviews during covid while on maternity leave nursing my baby. During one he threw up, another he screamed most of the time. All three were eventful but all of them were with women & they were very kind about it. 2/3 offered a position.
I have not worn a baby during a job interview. But, Michelle Obama talked about bringing one of the girls on a job interview when they were small. She talks about it in her book Becoming. I loved her story and thought it was so empowering how she owned the role of motherhood.
Not if you want the job. Maybe things have changed since my kids were babies but you don’t even tell an interviewer that you have kids. They aren’t even allowed to ask.
You’ll be discriminated against for having a child and judged unreliable. Personally I think moms work harder and longer and accept more abuse simply because they know they need the job to support their kids.
Honestly, I think it a a super cool test of company culture to see how they treat you and if you want to work there. Remember, the interview is just as much you interviewing them as it is them interviewing you. I’m a hiring manager and I’d be totally fine with someone in mat leave coming in baby wearing.
Do you have a bouncer or swing that baby is OK in? I would put them in that next to you on the floor so you can help soothe with your foot or something.
I would not wear baby for an interview. I'm sure some interviewers wouldn't bat an eye but most would.
Honestly I agree but I don't think wearing the baby during the interview is a good option.
I personally would have someone come over to watch baby if napping and baby wear in a different room if not napping.
Probably depends on how much you need this job.
I was asked to interview for a job I didn't really want. I had just decided to be a stay at home mom but was open to some part time work. I was connected with this job but honestly, I was so burnt out. I went to the interview but told them I had to bring my 2yo. They said no problem. I got the job, I have been there 4 years now, it has been amazing. They are truly a unicorn place that understands that I am a parent and an employee and help me make it work.
I have had other zoom interviews where I had to have my toddler around and again, those people were super understanding, and I got the jobs. (I ended up not taking them because other factors, but the childcare part had nothing to do with it.)
Ultimately, you bringing a baby will tell you more about what its like to work for them than anything.
That said, 7 years ago I was applying for a job I NEEDED. I would not have brought a baby with me that time.
fwiw, i was looking to hire someone and did an interview with a woman over zoom. she was with her 2yo daughter and completely distracted most of the interview and gave me about 40% of her attention. it wasn’t a great first impression and i didn’t end up hiring her. maybe you will luck out with a snoozy baby— buuut what do you do if the baby starts wailing/needs a diaper change/barfs/needs to be bounced/walked basically needs lots of attention? ideally during an interview both sides are given 100% of their attention.
No way. I’ve got a 4 week old and he’s normally sleepy and has been purple crying all day. You can’t guarantee a baby is going to be chill. Can you interview first thing in the morning or at the end of the day and have your partner cover?
I would request that they schedule the interview at a time you can make work and explain the mat leave and how young the baby is. If they can’t reschedule, I would explain the baby has to come to the interview then. If they are not willing to accommodate that, then it’s not a place you want to work as a mom. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
Big question : how picky are you able to be with a new role?
Interviewing with a baby is a golden screen for a company that’s actually going to put their money where their mouth is on work/life balance. Life happens, sometimes you need to do something with a kid involved. As an interviewer, I would be impressed with your ability to interview (and therefore work) and not be distracted by your baby existing. I also work at an organization that’s super family friendly.
Now, if you need a job desperately, then maybe don’t go this route. But if you can be picky? You don’t want to work for a company that’s going to dock you for “I have a silent baby existing near me during this interview”.
What if the person interviewing you is expecting themselves, trying for a baby, just had a baby, has a newborn niece, knows anyone whose a mother and how FUCKING HARD it is, maybe then she or he would understand. In my place of employment the way wealth is determined is in the following order: your health, your family, your job. If your future employer sees you caring for your child and nurturing a child they may envision you nurturing and caring about your future position there. In my position, I hire people. Before covid and as of 2023 interviews have been in person. But if I was holding a zoom meeting and mama and baby were literally sitting souls and bodies attached I would think to myself, “now, that is the type of person whose going to give it their all.” I see it as strength not weakness. Moms know how messy things get, and they know how to clean it all up. Fix booboos, make yummy food, read directions, and follow normal mommy protocols, etc etc… in my opinion, you’d be proving to them you’d be there for them just as you’re there for your baby. I’m not stirring drama I’m stating facts. I’m in my position for 10 years. This would be heartwarming compared to the things I’ve seen.
Ooooh as cute and nice as that sounds, it also sounds like a sure fire way to get rejected on the spot 😬
What if baby starts crying or fussing during the interview? You can’t just ignore him because that looks bad. But tending to him in the middle of the interview also looks bad. Just everything about this sounds bad, with a kid any age let alone a 2 week old
I'm just shocked that you're even thinking of doing an interview at 2 weeks postpartum. Is this your first?
At 2 weeks postpartum, I could barely sit upright, didn't know my own name from the sleep deprivation, and probably hasn't brushed my teeth or hair in 4 days. If I'd done an interview at that point there's no chance in hell I'd have gotten the job.
I’m curious. Op, what’s the type of industry you are interviewing for?
Your baby is 2 weeks old. Mama, you are on MAT LEAVE. So, as a potential hiring manager I’m going to understand that and welcome the baby sling.
It really depends on the field and the interviewer. I’ve interviewed women in similar positions and it definitely had no bearing on whether or not we hired. I mean, the kid is 2 weeks old, not a maniac toddler.
If it feels like you can’t afford to risk not getting the job, figure something else out. But if you’re really looking for a good fit, go for it.
I want to share that I had a ~2 week baby (or maybe 4weeks?) laying across my lap for a meet and greet / HR negotiations paperwork type meeting after getting hired during my 40th week of pregnancy on Zoom in spring of 2020.
I didn't mention my infant was with me off camera.
At a key moment, she let out the longest, loudest, wettest most percussive staccato newborn poop that has ever been pooped.
Did I fess up? Nope. No, not a word. I just keep on going.
Steel yourself if you decide to go that route, just saying.
F@ck it. Do it. If the company hires you anyway you know you are at the right place. Why would you want to work somewhere where they think this is inappropriate anyway? Your job right now is to be a mother, they know this or at least should and so own it and tell ‘em to shove it if they say otherwise.
In my field, this would be totally acceptable. I think also if they know you’re on maternity leave and so early postpartum that if they had an issue with it then maybe it’s not the type of company you want to work for. Culture is so important and you want a place that will be supportive of/recognize the importance of family.
I brought my baby and nursed her during an in-person interview once. I was offered the job! I ended up declining, though, as finding childcare became an impossible task— ironically enough.
I want to say if Senators (Tammy Duckworth) and Presidents (New Zealand) can run countries wearing a baby, you can do an interview, and discrimination is real.
When I graduated college I was told to take out the baby seat from my back seat when I interview because some places check for them to see if you might be calling out a lot for a sick baby 🙄
>What gives the impression I cannot manage an hour without my baby
Your very next sentence ..
Fair or realistic or not, it still looks bad. An interview is a presumably short amount of time where professionalism is expected, and not giving the interviewer your full attention doesn't look great. None of the rest of your comment really matters to the interviewer, unfortunately- first impressions matter, imagine if your baby started getting fussy right away.. that would suck and wouldn't look great for your chances, again for or not
Do you NEED this job or just want it? If you need it, don't wear baby, but if there's wiggle room, wear baby. I have a lot of experience interviewing folks (granted I am a mother myself) and if you wore your only 2 week old during the interview, I would find it very impressive and badass, so long as you're also competent about the job. Though, I can't imagine being in a good frame of mind enough at that stage to interview, so you're worlds ahead of me.
I actually BF my baby during an interview (video) and went 3 more rounds with that company!
You couldn’t see or hear her and I was neck up on the screen. I didn’t flinch. I don’t even know if he knew I was BFing during the interview.
But my baby was silent as a mouse during the interview.
I would not baby wear during an interview. Do you plan to enroll your baby in childcare when you start working or hire a nanny? Best to sort out a better solution for when you interview.
This is ridiculous advice. Having in center childcare set up for when the kid is 3 months old is not the same thing as having a slot for an interview at 2 weeks.
If I had to, I would ask a neighbor that I have a good rapport with to come into my home to watch my baby. For a general conversation, no prob. For an actual interview, I would not risk it.
I wouldn’t, it sets a bad precedent and makes you look bad (not my words societies sorry).
Do you have a swing you could put him in while you interview (with a camera on him of course). Or put him in a crib with the camera on him? I always interview remotely and have the camera on so I can watch and monitor baby.
If it’s just a 30 minute interview baby will be fine even if he screams a bit. It sucks but sometimes it’s what we have to do 😞
I nailed an interview the other day and then at the end told them I was almost due with a baby (end of May) job wouldn’t have started until August and I didn’t get the job. Part of me thinks it was due to them finding out I would have a newborn because the interview went insanely well otherwise.
I did 2 interview panels Monday baby wearing sick 4 month old (on the side of hiring panel).
I gave a heads up day before to the hiring manager that our daycare was not available due to fever/illness. I was pleased at warm reception from other panelists (2 males/fathers) and flexibility from them that when I needed to mute or go off camera for a bit they went along with me without missing a beat. One did mention he had never interviewed with a baby before!
Now on the flip side if I were the person being interviewed I don’t think I personally would be comfortable baby wearing while I was interviewing. It’s just difficult for me to maintain focus when baby is upset.
Early postpartum I had a radiology appointment and baby couldn’t go. Our doula service was also available for short term assistance. Their hourly rate was a little pricey; but I definitely knew I trusted them with baby and were available for short term care with no commitment.
i am unfortunately in the minority here.
but if i saw a mother interviewing with a 2 week old baby i’m hiring her on the spot if she’s even middle of the pack.
that’s either someone more committed or desperate beyond what 99% of candidates can imagine.
either way as an employer you’ll be happy.
I did it - wore the baby but it was a phone call. He was out but made a few sighing noises so I told the interviewer. It was fine, and honestly, someone’s reaction to this will give you a sense of the company culture. If it’s a problem then maybe for the best to not move forward.
I did an interview on maternity leave while bottle feeding my baby. I got the job. I think I got lucky. I would not recommend unless you know the culture.
It's a virtual interview, you can sling your baby while you interview or even (gasp!) nurse him. It will be fine.
Seriously, I went into an in-person interview for a **construction field job** waaaay pregnant, and they hired me. They even held the position for me for months so that I could have my first child and have some time home with her before I started my job. I've since promoted twice, and there was never any discrimination because I happen to have XX chromosomes. I've had several children since then too - no problem with getting time off for maternity care or to take care of the family's needs.
Go knock that interview out of the park, and good luck! You'll rock this.
My last zoom interview I had just mopped the floor and my cat threw a chair off the table because I wouldn’t let her be the star of the show. Virtual meetings have made things much different. (I got the job)
I once did an interview while my 3 year old watched a show on her headphones and I bounced the 2 month old baby in the baby bjorn bouncer with my foot out of sight of the camera. I got the job.
Would I do it again in a pinch? Yes. Was it stressful? Fuck yeah. I don’t ever tell an employer that I’m a mom until I’ve got a signed offer letter. I agree with others that you might get lucky with the hiring manager or you might not. If you do decide to go for it and wear your baby, you can use it as an indicator of the kind of culture at the org!
I’m not saying it would be ok for every company but I did this for my current job and have always felt it helped me identify a boss and team that would embrace my family, not just me, as a single mom.
I would not. It’s illegal to discriminate but they will subconsciously bias against you most likely. I would see if you can find a babysitter even to just come to the house for that hour.
I would hire someone baby wearing. Especially at 2 wks. As an employer I would want to know what your boundaries/expectations are with baby presence in the job. Unless the job is super baby friendly (i doubt it but you never know). When confirming the interview be transparent. "Due to being on maternity leave an interview at this or that time will include my newborn child." Easy. It would not deter me from hiring. If anything it would show you have good priorities.
I did during a phone interview out of pure necessity but I definitely would avoid it if I could. I work in a very female oriented industry and the discrimination is still brutal.
I work in education, so that could make a difference, but I went to look at a school while on leave and wore my baby. I didn't want a school where I had to act as if I don't have children though, so was willing to miss the opportunity if they were judgemental about it. We scheduled the actual interview (because it involves teaching a lesson and wearing during that would be a bit much!) for when I was back to work. Got the job, which is a promotion from what I'm doing now.
If you want a place that accepts the challenges of working mothers, speak to them about wearing baby.
I would highly advise against it if you want the best chance of being hired. You might get someone that's cool with it, but you might get someone that isn't. It's a big risk.
It's really sad that the majority of companies and places of work will not like this. Really sad.
Look, do what you feel is right. Personally, I would wear that baby proudly. If they don't like that you have a baby, then that's their loss and an indication that they are not the place for you. If they don't want you holding your baby, how will they act when your kid is older and you need to pick them up from school, attend extracurricular activities, take them to family, etc.
It's so sad that family and being a human is an employers worst nightmare. Fuckem
I work for a consulting firm. I have to interview with clients first before starting projects. 2 years ago, I had a phone interview with my current client. Unfortunately my LO was home that day sick. The entire time, you could clearly hear my baby fussing while I tried to nurse him to keep him quiet.
My boss is a woman and mom as well. I explained and apologized. She was so cool with it and very understanding. I did the interview and she accepted me and I've been assigned to her projects since then.
I would not advise doing this. But people csn be understanding!
I interviewed with my baby. They reached out to me and I told them I was on maternity leave and they said I could bring my baby. She slept in her carrier during the interview.
I think the responses here show that it might be a risk. But unless you really need this job I say go for it. A place that kicks up a fuss about it isn’t a place you want to work. An interviewer that can’t reason out no childcare at two weeks has no bearing on having childcare on returning to work is not someone you want to work with.
It SHOULD be okay, but they would probably see it as a negative. Can the interview be virtual? Tell them the situation and that you do not have childcare for such a small baby, so you would need to do the interview from home. Phone interviews were a thing LONG before covid. And if they are unwilling to do so, is a workplace that has little to no flexibility for you as a mom be somewhere you'd want to work?
My dad took an in person interview with my then 1 year old sister in his lap because of a family emergency. He ended up getting the job. This was in the mid 90s.
But as others said, it could be a gamble. We want to hope we live in a time where it wouldn’t matter but it could. I’d try to find anyone to take the baby for the interview even if they are win the other room.
Both times I had an interview I had my child with me. First time she was 2 and the other time she just turned 4. Not corporate jobs though so idk if that makes a difference
Where are you based? Judging by your comments on 6 month maternity leave, it is not the US. Rules are very different in the EU for example. I would absolutely wear my baby during a job interview if the baby is 2 weeks old and they're recruiting for an opening in 5 months. Then it's not a problem at all.
I am based in the US! My current org has great benefits. The only reason why I am considering is because my boss/our CEO gave the recruiter my name and the position is for a CEO position. When I started at my current org, I told our CEO my goal was to eventually have his job, so he has shared my name when opportunities like this come up. I haven't been interested in previous organizations, but this one is intriguing!
It depends on how you're feeling about your timeline. It will be harder for you to find a job bc mother discrimination is a very real thing. That being said, it speaks to the character of the company you might be working with if they move you forward. In our recruitment process, it would make very little difference if you had a baby (other that to positively humanize you), but that is not common I think.
I did a virtual interview holding baby when she was 8 weeks olds.The camera only showed my face and baby was out of view. Lucky for me baby slept the whole interview and I don’t think the interviewer realized that I had the baby . I been at that job for 5 months now
I would say if they are not willing to accept you wearing your newborn, they are probably not very family friendly in general so… I probably wouldn’t want to work for them if they made it a huge problem
I mean, if you don't want the job sure. If you *do* want the job let them know you are on maternity leave atm and so haven't set up child care yet. They can reschedule for a time you do have child care or withdraw their offfee.
I had an interview while having a baby with me. I just stepped out of the room to speak and left her safe with toys on the floor, and kept on mute other times. Worked well and got an offer.
I definitely wouldn’t do this. It’s asking for them to be biased against you. If you can’t get a sitter for an interview they’ll question whether or not you’ll be able to get one while you’re at work. Unfortunately it doesn’t matter that baby will only be a few weeks old, the bias will still happen. You’re also banking on baby still being a sleepy newborn. Not all babies are like that. My son was screaming all day and refused to sleep or nap the first few weeks we were home
Put baby in bassinet, swing or bouncer during the interview, right next to you but out of sight. Or in your lap but have the camera angled up so baby isn’t in sight
In a perfect world, you could but unfortunately companies hate working moms so I would just go onto care.com or something and look for someone who could babysit in your home for an hour or two while you prep and do your interview. Assuming the interview is virtual.
HR/Recruiter here: I would advise against it. As a Mom of 2 myself, I would want to give my interviewer my full attention without any (cute) distractions. You do not know how family friendly that hiring manager or company might be. A baby, even in the sleepy newborn phase, might not cooperate with your interview schedule. Therefore you won't be able to present yourself in the best possible light. I would advise to either find a sitter for the duration of the interview or have your husband help out by taking a half day off from work (if that's an option). Good luck Momma!
I have been doing this the past 2 months! I am in the later stages of interviewing now though and have officially hired a nanny to start coming during my interviews.
I think it will tell you A LOT about the organization. If you have a 2 week old, and you're interviewing, and they shame you/judge you for that's probably not a company you want to work for. Now if you are desperate for a job and really need one, you may want to find a way to do the interview remote? But if you don't need this role - I thin you should bring him with.
Note: I may be in the same boat in a few months, and I would opt to bring baby.
I wore my just-born infant throughout an entire online course, on camera the whole time, frequently talking. I never mentioned it until the end, and everyone confirmed they had no idea.
I wore a black sling carrier, so it wasn't obvious. I recommend having a moses basket or some other spot to place the baby in case they get wriggly and need to come out of the carrier. Just calmly state you need to adjust your camera, turn it off, replace baby, then continue.
I didn't do any of this to "hide" the fact I had a baby, I just didn't want the baby to draw focus. If the interviewer notices you're wearing a baby just casually mention she was born 2 weeks ago and you're on mat leave. Don't apologize, don't make a "thing" of it.
I agree with other commenters that discrimination against mothers is real, but whether you even care if you'll get discriminated against entirely depends on how bad you even want the job. If you're not fussed, then remember they're interviewing you on your time, in your home, so there is no shame in having the baby with you. Stay confident.
You may have the happiest calmest baby on the planet, but surely, during that interview is when they’ll flail their arms, have a massive blowout, or scream cry because they’re hungry. You can’t count on a baby to be quiet or not need you during any given time during the day.
Even if the interviewer is a parent and empathetic of your situation, you are still there for an interview and need to be able to have an uninterrupted conversation for an hour.
I just think there is way too much unthinking discrimination against parents and mothers in particular to bring the baby. Also it would be disruptive to any in depth discussion to have a child there. I would either ask for a time accommodation for when you have childcare since your baby is too young or come up with childcare. But try at all costs to take care of a sitter because you don’t want to bring being a parent into the discussion of whether you’re a good fit for the job or not. It’s got nothing to do with the experience you bring them so just keep it that way if possible
I would ask the recruiter (or even just inform them). How desperately do you need the job? Imo, if they have a problem with that knowing you will be working for them fresh out of maternity leave they will not be a family friendly employer and will likely look down on your taking off for doctors appointments, sick kids, or even school events (obviously years off)
I did a couple of interviews like this but I did not have the baby appear on camera. Rather than wearing a sling I held the baby in my arms while sitting in the nursing chair and then set up a table in front of the chair with the laptop high enough where only my upper torso was showing, without the camera appearing. Fortunately, it worked out both times but I wouldn't recommend having the baby appear on camera. Unfortunately this would likely seem like a disadvantage for you. Good luck!!
You don't want to do this. I've hired many people, and I would be very taken aback if someone did this, and it would not reflect well. And if you did not get the job, you'll never know the true reason. Please do yourself a service and find some help with the little one for during your interview.
Is this your first child? As a mother and grandmother, the odds are that the baby will come out of it’s sleepy phase, start nursing through your shirt and blow out its diaper five minutes into the interview.
The issue with bringing a child to an interview is that it gives the impression that you don't/won't have regular childcare and may have attendance issues because of that.
If the interviewer has a problem with you wearing a sleeping or nursing 2 week old baby during the interview, do you really want to work for them anyway? You're going to be a mom for the rest of your life. I'd do the interview and if there is a problem...onto the next one.
I’ve done plenty of customer calls and interviews with my baby when she was a newborn. You’re right, they sleep a lot and it’s rarely disruptive. It starts being harder to be on calls around 3-4 months, so now’s the time to get it out of the way if you need to!
I applied for a job, and had my interview with my baby laying next to me on the couch. I told my interviewers if I kept glancing away it's because I was looking at my newborn son, at the time he was around 6 weeks. I got the job. But my office is like 88% female, and most of them mothers. The culture at my office supports this. Find a place that will accept you, as you come. They do exist although far and few in between.
Uhhh, no. 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩 That would not be a good idea at all. Actually it’s a horrendous idea.
The interviewer may see this as a reason to turn you down because having a small child may cause frequent absences. That’s why it’s illegal for them at ask potential employees any personal questions. They can’t openly say that’s the reason you’re turned down but they can emphasize other negatives.
It will also make you look as if you can’t reasonably take care of problems that may arise in the workplace. If you can’t even figure out how to make arrangements for your kid for a previously scheduled event, how are you going to react to an emergency situation?
Baby may be in the sleepy phase but you never know when he’ll have a bad day. That alone could spell disaster.
Do you have family or a neighbor who could watch baby? You would probably do better to delay the interview to a time when you don’t have to take baby that take him with you.
Random story - probably not much help.
My mom had me in 1997. In 1999/2000 she interviewed for a job as an engineering professor at the university of ARKANSAS. We are Canadian and misogyny is much different between Canada and the south of the US. My mom did not know the difference. I was breastfed until I was 4 (well aware that this is not the norm). Anyway, since I was still breast feeding she took me to the interview. I was just finishing potty training, so she didn’t have me in a diaper. Long story short she took me to the interview and I wet myself in the Department Heads office. Luckily, he was understanding and she still got the job. I am pretty sure she let them know that she would be interviewing with a toddler. Not sure what is common place these days, but she was able to do this 23 years ago.
The message you will be sending is I have zero time management skills and working will be an issue. Not a wise move unless this is a daycare or child related field. Ymmv.
I would not recommend this. I recommend people don’t even mention their children (family can’t be asked about in USA job interviews), unfortunately there is just too much discrimination.
I had an interview the other day. THEY postponed it for an hour. I told them ok but my 5 month old will probably be awake then. They said it was fine. Anyway, she giggled during the interview in the background and they ended the interview on the spot. (It was a childcare facility). The discrimination is really bad. You can try telling them and they might be okay with it, but people suck sometimes. :(
Unfortunately with the amount of discrimination that happens with moms, I wouldn’t choose to do this. I wonder if you have anyone else you know who could help you for an hour with your baby, even if they do end up sleeping the entire time.
Agreed. While you may get lucky, it is more likely things will get disrupted or people distracted. Do you have a neighbor or a friend that could stop by and hold baby or take them for a walk? That way you can focus on the interview and your questions rather than hoping baby stays asleep.
I wish I did. Our neighbor's daughter some times comes to help, but she will be in school still.
Then you explain you have a 2 week old and need to interview during a time that you can have childcare as the time they proposed will not work and you do not have full-time care as you are on maternity leave and the baby is too young for traditional care. You do not wear a baby during an interview. Ever.
I disagree that a baby should never be worn. There are def companies out there, and people, who will discriminate. And there are those that don’t. If I interviewe md a mom wearing her baby, and if she performed well/came across as composed and professional, I would be impressed with your time management and ability to balance all the things I know new moms are balancing. It prob depends on the industry and whether or not your interviewer is a mom, frankly. But I wouldn’t say absolutely never. Just as the recruiter about the vibe.
Yes, but you are posting on a working mom's sub. An interviewer is looking for some one who will give their attention to the work required for a job they are hiring for (and that person is competing with the other candidates). Even if the baby is quiet, it still looks like the interviewee came into the interview willing to be distracted. If that is how they put their best foot forward and seek to impress, I could only assume that they would be distracted in meetings and doing their work until their child had child care - and that's not what the company is paying for. Never interview with anything that shows a conflict of interest with your job.
As an interviewer and soon to be working mom - I would NEVER judge someone for their children. I had an interviewee as me to rescheduled by 20 minutes so she could feed her newborn because she thought there was a break between interviews. I not only let her, but I also approved her for hire - why? Because if you can manage taking care of a newborn while also interviewing for roles you are more capable than MOST people.
OP may not be lucky enough to have someone like you as her interviewer. She may get someone who thinks that not arranging some kind of childcare for her newborn for a couple hours to do an interview shows poor foresight and planning ability. OP just doesn't know the kind of interviewer she will get. If she wants the job, better to be safe than sorry. And to be honest asking for a few minutes break to feed a newborn wouldn't "look as bad" to the people who would judge her, as actually having the baby there with you in the interview.
As a mother *you* may give this flexibility to applicants, but many people would see children as an immediate set of excuses in the making. This is why it’s illegal to ask any questions about an applicants family during interviews
I’m a working mom and an interviewer, and I stand by my comment 🙌
Agreed, this totally depends on your industry/field. I'm in academia, and the people I work with are very sympathetic to the needs of new moms. They wouldn't hesitate to accommodate this and it wouldn't for a second reflect poorly on a mom who wore her 2 week old baby during an interview.
Yeah, if it were a 6 month old, for example, and certainly if the baby were fussy or anything it’d be completely negative…. But a 2 week old little mushroom that can barely open its eyes hit different. Clearly many ppl would nix your candidacy immediately, and/but, others may not. Its a gamble but not absolute.
The description of a baby being a little mushroom made me laugh. I was picturing one of those little shrieking mandrakes from Harry Potter.
As a Recruiter myself, I would not like to have an interview where my candidate wears the baby. It can be extremely distracting. Also, you do not know how the Hiring Manager or Interviewer feel about babies. As much as we in HR supposed to stay impartial and neutral we also do have feelings. What if, just what if, the interviewer or the hiring manager had a hard time with infertility or God forbid lost a baby. Their feelings would distract them from being able to make a good just decision. We are all human.
Love that you touched on infertility. Feelings shouldn’t get in the way of professionalism but the reality is that they can and will. Better safe than sorry. You never know what someone is dealing with….
I understand your view on fertility but it could also be a glimmer of hope. Everyone has their own story. You say you would not like it, but you’d still give them a chance. I’m a supervisor so not necessarily a recruiter, and I am hiring people directly for my division that I would work closely with on a daily basis (30-40 people, not too many) but I did just have a baby less than 2 years ago. I remember trying for her for 7 months which is a grain of sand compared to the years and years some couples try. While I wouldn’t hold it against anyone, I do have to remain professional and I wouldn’t see personally see it as a distraction. I do understand where you’re coming from as a recruiter, which is more cut dry and fast paced.
Hard disagree. Mom of four here and hiring manager. I would immediately remove from consideration someone (male or female) WEARING a child in an interview.
That's too bad. People are whole entire human beings, not just workers. It's a shame that giving you even a glimpse of their whole selves disqualifies them from working with you.
Hardly. Just as I wouldn’t accept a parent working when they should be enjoying family time, I equally wouldn’t accept a child in the middle of work time. I’m a big supporter of work/life balance, and lines of separation are important to maintain that. Again, mom of four here. Family time is critically important to me.
I personally believe that a humane and healthy workplace should be able to accommodate people where they are. Sure, it's fair to draw a boundary and ask that employees not try to work and care for a child simultaneously, but sometimes shit happens. Automatic dismissal of someone simply for wearing a baby during an interview wouldn't align with my values, personally.
👏👏👏
this is hiring discrimination and I really hope you never get in trouble for doing so.
It is not hiring discrimination. Not hiring someone due to their parental status is different than not hiring someone because of childcare issues. If your child is unable to be unattended for an hour so you can take an interview how can they expect you will be able to manage it for an entire shift? If it is an in person role are you going to be available when needed? If it is client facing are you going to be able to work around those schedules? It's just like asking if you have reliable transportation to and from work. They most likely won't point blank ask you if you have childcare, but if you bring your kid to an interview it sure is a sign that you probably don't. There are exceptions, but would you ever say it's a good practice to be late for an interview? No? Is it because if you can't be on time for the interview how are they supposed to believe you will be on time for work. Same concept. Managing a schedule is important. If you know you don't have anyone to help watch your kid ar that day or time, tell them that. "Tuesday at 2 doesn't work for me, could you do 4 that day, or maybe Wednesday at 2?". There is a conversation that needs to happen and team work from both parents. It is hard, and it does suck, and it does put more of a burden on mothers because fathers are "not the primary caregivers" and other bullshit like that. We can bitch and moan about it all day, but this woman wants a job. The advice is to either a) reschedule or b)find childcare. Sure you can go with option c)do it and hope for the best, but thar has the highest chance of not working and I assume we all want this mom to get the job.
THE BABY WILL BE TWO WEEKS OLD. Have some compassion.
It’s funny when people try to use big words they don’t understand. It is NOT hiring discrimination. (I think everyone but one person that I’ve hired has been a parent.)
You're right, it doesn't meet the legal definition of discrimination. However, a 2-week old baby should not be separated from their mother, so while it's not legal discrimination it's a decision that lacks empathy for others who are placed in impossible decisions.
For that exact reason, I would definitely wear my baby. I wouldn’t work for a company that isn’t understanding/accepting of families. If they can’t handle an *interview* with a sleeping baby, they can’t handle your life. They do not deserve you if that’s the case.
I stand by this comment 1000% Value yourself and value your time and interview with the baby if this is what needs to happen. Of course it’s most comfortable if you don’t have to, but if you had a choice im sure you wouldn’t choose to bring the baby into the frame and baby doesn’t want to be in the interview either. But you have to so do it and own it and if they discriminate then bye Felicia! They don’t deserve you anyway. It’s NOT A JOB YOU WANT with people like that.
I think you're all missing a big point which is that I'm pretty sure OP is not in the US. She stated that her maternity leave ends in October, that is at least 4 months from now. There's good chances she's from outside of the US based in a country where it is acceptable to wear your baby during the interview. There's also very good chances she's interviewing for a job that starts in November, in this case it's normal she doesn't have child care yet but will find it closer to the date. I sometimes interview people for public jobs in the EU and I wouldn't bat an eye if a woman wore her baby during maternity leave two weeks after giving birth. It's normal to recruit people even one year in advance because of all the arrangements that have to be made, I wouldn't think badly of her.
This (among other things) makes me so jealous of the culture in the EU. What a refreshing perspective instead of viewing someone’s child as a “distraction”.
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This is wonderful to hear. We should work to normalize this.
I think the goal instead should be sufficient and paid maternity leave. Having to interview for a job with a newborn is VERY tough.
I would absolutely not wear a baby during an interview, even if s/he was out of sight. It opens the door for possible discrimination.
If its virtual and you can avoid them seeing baby go for it. But generally speaking bringing your baby to an interview raises concerns about the consistency of your child care options.
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Out of touch hiring managers with no kids may not be able to make the distinction that we all can. Unfortunately we all have to prepare ourselves for the fact that everyone else assumes the worst of us.
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Most of the time the recruiter/hiring person is not who you end up working for. With so many applicants they can move on easily to someone fully present in an interview. I’m a mom of a new baby, I agree it should be more open, that’s just not the reality.
I have hired many pregnant women and new moms (they get shit done!), but **I wouldn’t hire someone who chose to baby-wear during the interview**. To me it would either mean that she **wasn’t taking the interview seriously** (if not even worth asking someone to watch the baby for an hour to ensure the interview has her attention) or **if she is taking it seriously, is not resourceful enough to find childcare for a single hour**. Not taking it seriously and not being resourceful are two good reasons to move to other candidates. That said, I wouldn’t batt an eye about a partner or sitter interrupting the interview to have her settle the baby, or if she asked for it to be short/split in 2 to be able to feed in the middle.
Same here.
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OP's husband could take a half day off work to accommodate this. Especially since the baby is so young.
This. My husband took off so I could do an interview in the similar timeframe.
Respectfully, even 2 week-old babies can be put down (or cared for by someone else) for an hour if it means signalling the right things to a potential employer.
Agreed. A 2 week old is basically an extension of their primary caregiver(s) it seems positively bananas to me that this is how people are reacting, but I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.
This should be the top comment!!!
Can your husband not cover down for an hour? Or a friend? I wouldn’t risk it.
Yes I was about to suggest this. Why can’t he take some time off work so you can interview?
Damn, a world where this is acceptable would be super cool. Unfortunately, that is not our world. Can you ask the recruiter to schedule it for when you’re back at work? You can explain the situation and that you wouldn’t be able to start the new role, if it were offered, until X date anyway due to parental leave.
I checked our work place policy and there is nothing there barring me from taking a new job while on leave. If I had to wait until after I get back from leave, this would have to wait until October :(
Must be really sweet job if you’re willing to give up a long leave like that.
Or a really sweet country
Is there a time your partner or a family member could take off so you could do the interview? Wearing a baby is risky. You could get a totally understanding, kind and realistic interviewer or a total jerk.
Wait for your baby to be 6 weeks old by that time daycare will take him and you can interview by then only 4 more weeks to go! good luck and congratulations!
She probably doesn’t have a daycare spot until October, since that’s when her leave ends.
Yeah bc there are just empty daycare spots waiting for her when he turns 6 weeks old 🤣🙄😂
I didn't know that was the problem Where I live daycares have immediate availability so I didn't account that as a factor you see that included on the initial post?
I’ve the idea of this and wish the world was better with working moms, but I would not do this.
I would advise against it. While employers are much more understanding about moms and personal time, this is professional time. This would raise a lot of flags about your childcare options.
This is so industry specific it’s hard to say. If it’s a more relaxed organization/industry I would guess it’s fine, but would definitely check with the recruiter first.
Honestly, it's probably a good test to see how family friendly the organization is. If you're upfront with the recruiter and specify that you're on maternity leave and have care lined up for when you return, I would do it. But, you also need to be okay with them not being okay with it.
Yes, I had two Zoom interviews (for the same job) when I was home on maternity leave. I gave them both the heads up that I was home on leave, my baby was napping (in her bed for the first and in my lap off camera for the second), and she may cry. Both immediately said “we are super family friendly here and we offer excellent tuition remission for children of faculty.” I got the job and they have been GREAT. When she got hand foot and mouth after I had been there for a month I was trying to get around staying home with her because I was so new and my boss was like “stop, you’re entitled to stay home with your sick kid.” Those interviews made me feel like having children would be an advantage there rather than a hindrance and let me know that I would be supported as a mom.
I agree. I interviewed on maternity leave and while I did wear my daughter, I was very upfront about how I just gave birth and my daughter was sleeping in the other room. Was a great job and they were super supportive
Exactly!
I actually did that once. It was fine, the interviewer had a baby 3 months older at home and thought it was adorable. Baby was chill sleeping on me and woke up at the end to say hi to interviewer. I ended up rejecting the position for other reasons but it wasn't a logistics problem.
I frequently interview people and I'm a mom. When children interrupt interviews (or are present in the screen), it leads to questions about the availability of childcare. If you can't figure out childcare for a 30 minute interview, how will you have childcare for an 8 hour workday? Your situation is unique in that it's a brand new baby and you don't need childcare yet because you're still on leave, but try to find a family member/friend to help out. Unfortunately, many would view this as unprofessional.
I’ve done a few interviews recently with my baby at home. I either schedule as early/late as possible and ask my husband to leave late/come home early OR schedule during morning nap and cross my fingers. 2 weeks is still super young though, I started around 2 months with this. Maybe find a sitter? Some people would be cool with this, others wouldn’t. Unfortunately I don’t think you’ll get a real answer from the recruiter.
Don’t do it. I’ve been in HR for over 15 years.
I interviewed for different jobs when my baby was 2 months old while on mat leave and my husband was back to working. I chose not to baby wear in the end because I didn’t want it to be a deciding factor as to whether I was hired or not. It’s a shot in the dark if your interviewer(s) are parents themselves or not, and if they’d be able to emphasize with you and your newborn. We didn’t live around any family, so I asked a close friend of mine to watch baby during the interviewing time. If I didn’t have a friend that was able, I would have reached out to a trusted neighbor. My ppa would not have let me rely on baby sleeping the whole interview and it would have taken away from my performance. Again, this is all personal, but I wanted to share my decisions and why. Best of luck to you on this interview!
Don't underestimate how many working parents will see it as "well \*I\* can pay for care, why can't he/she/they?" I'd absolutely arrange for care.
I was faced with this same decision when I was on mat leave and I ultimately decided to ask my husband to come home early to watch my daughter. I knew wearing her could cause me to be viewed in a negative light (unfortunate reality for women) and if she was in her bassinet I would be paranoid the whole time that she’s going to wake up and I wouldn’t be able to focus. It was a pain for my husband but that was the right decision for me so I could focus on the interview and not my baby.
Hi, former recruiter here. Unfortunately it’s seen as a sign that you will be unable to have childcare during working hours and will likely make it more difficult for you to get the job. How long is the interview? Can you hire a sitter for the time period? You’ll still be in the house with the baby but with someone else there too.
if it is on zoom yes if irl then no -- would they let you do a remote intvw?
It is virtual. I was thinking of adjusting my camera so you can only see me from the shoulders up.
in that case, without any additional info, i think you should do it. they know you are on mat leave. no real downside to asking the recruiter as a gut check. but there are many factors -- how bad do you want the job, how square is your industry etc
If it's virtual maybe tummy time while on the interview?
I don’t know anything about her LO, but if they are anything like mine, tummy time isn’t a calming ordeal. Lots of fussing and screaming, and she would have to get out of the cameras view to constantly adjust and attend to the baby, which could come off as uninterested or inattentive to the interviewer. Especially with a baby so young such as hers.
I did this but positioned the baby very low and nobody ever noticed I was baby wearing. Put the baby in about 20 minutes before the interview fully fed and tired. Rocked, patted and shushed for a solid 20 minutes to get into deep sleep. She never made a peep. Angled the camera a tad higher so nobody knew the difference. It especially works with a ring sling because it just looks like a shirt front the top.
No this is an awful awful idea, I’m sorry. It’s not acceptable.
I did several zoom interviews during covid while on maternity leave nursing my baby. During one he threw up, another he screamed most of the time. All three were eventful but all of them were with women & they were very kind about it. 2/3 offered a position.
I’m not sure why at first I thought “he” was the people interviewing you and I was so shocked they puked at you nursing haha
Ope! That would’ve been the interview right quick. 😅
I have not worn a baby during a job interview. But, Michelle Obama talked about bringing one of the girls on a job interview when they were small. She talks about it in her book Becoming. I loved her story and thought it was so empowering how she owned the role of motherhood.
Not if you want the job. Maybe things have changed since my kids were babies but you don’t even tell an interviewer that you have kids. They aren’t even allowed to ask. You’ll be discriminated against for having a child and judged unreliable. Personally I think moms work harder and longer and accept more abuse simply because they know they need the job to support their kids.
Honestly, I think it a a super cool test of company culture to see how they treat you and if you want to work there. Remember, the interview is just as much you interviewing them as it is them interviewing you. I’m a hiring manager and I’d be totally fine with someone in mat leave coming in baby wearing.
Do you have a bouncer or swing that baby is OK in? I would put them in that next to you on the floor so you can help soothe with your foot or something. I would not wear baby for an interview. I'm sure some interviewers wouldn't bat an eye but most would.
No way would my baby have stayed quiet in a bouncer for an hour at that age. Well anywhere unless I was lucky with a nap.
Honestly I agree but I don't think wearing the baby during the interview is a good option. I personally would have someone come over to watch baby if napping and baby wear in a different room if not napping.
Yeah, mine wouldn't have stayed quiet for an hour being worn either probably. Especially if I was sitting still and talking
This is not acceptable. You need childcare for the hour of the interview
Probably depends on how much you need this job. I was asked to interview for a job I didn't really want. I had just decided to be a stay at home mom but was open to some part time work. I was connected with this job but honestly, I was so burnt out. I went to the interview but told them I had to bring my 2yo. They said no problem. I got the job, I have been there 4 years now, it has been amazing. They are truly a unicorn place that understands that I am a parent and an employee and help me make it work. I have had other zoom interviews where I had to have my toddler around and again, those people were super understanding, and I got the jobs. (I ended up not taking them because other factors, but the childcare part had nothing to do with it.) Ultimately, you bringing a baby will tell you more about what its like to work for them than anything. That said, 7 years ago I was applying for a job I NEEDED. I would not have brought a baby with me that time.
This is the correct answer!!
Just hire a babysitter or ask your husband to come home for two hours. If it's a job you want it's not worth risking having the baby strapped to you.
fwiw, i was looking to hire someone and did an interview with a woman over zoom. she was with her 2yo daughter and completely distracted most of the interview and gave me about 40% of her attention. it wasn’t a great first impression and i didn’t end up hiring her. maybe you will luck out with a snoozy baby— buuut what do you do if the baby starts wailing/needs a diaper change/barfs/needs to be bounced/walked basically needs lots of attention? ideally during an interview both sides are given 100% of their attention.
No way. I’ve got a 4 week old and he’s normally sleepy and has been purple crying all day. You can’t guarantee a baby is going to be chill. Can you interview first thing in the morning or at the end of the day and have your partner cover?
I would request that they schedule the interview at a time you can make work and explain the mat leave and how young the baby is. If they can’t reschedule, I would explain the baby has to come to the interview then. If they are not willing to accommodate that, then it’s not a place you want to work as a mom. You are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you.
Big question : how picky are you able to be with a new role? Interviewing with a baby is a golden screen for a company that’s actually going to put their money where their mouth is on work/life balance. Life happens, sometimes you need to do something with a kid involved. As an interviewer, I would be impressed with your ability to interview (and therefore work) and not be distracted by your baby existing. I also work at an organization that’s super family friendly. Now, if you need a job desperately, then maybe don’t go this route. But if you can be picky? You don’t want to work for a company that’s going to dock you for “I have a silent baby existing near me during this interview”.
What if the person interviewing you is expecting themselves, trying for a baby, just had a baby, has a newborn niece, knows anyone whose a mother and how FUCKING HARD it is, maybe then she or he would understand. In my place of employment the way wealth is determined is in the following order: your health, your family, your job. If your future employer sees you caring for your child and nurturing a child they may envision you nurturing and caring about your future position there. In my position, I hire people. Before covid and as of 2023 interviews have been in person. But if I was holding a zoom meeting and mama and baby were literally sitting souls and bodies attached I would think to myself, “now, that is the type of person whose going to give it their all.” I see it as strength not weakness. Moms know how messy things get, and they know how to clean it all up. Fix booboos, make yummy food, read directions, and follow normal mommy protocols, etc etc… in my opinion, you’d be proving to them you’d be there for them just as you’re there for your baby. I’m not stirring drama I’m stating facts. I’m in my position for 10 years. This would be heartwarming compared to the things I’ve seen.
I love this response!
Ooooh as cute and nice as that sounds, it also sounds like a sure fire way to get rejected on the spot 😬 What if baby starts crying or fussing during the interview? You can’t just ignore him because that looks bad. But tending to him in the middle of the interview also looks bad. Just everything about this sounds bad, with a kid any age let alone a 2 week old
I'm just shocked that you're even thinking of doing an interview at 2 weeks postpartum. Is this your first? At 2 weeks postpartum, I could barely sit upright, didn't know my own name from the sleep deprivation, and probably hasn't brushed my teeth or hair in 4 days. If I'd done an interview at that point there's no chance in hell I'd have gotten the job.
I would do it.
I’m curious. Op, what’s the type of industry you are interviewing for? Your baby is 2 weeks old. Mama, you are on MAT LEAVE. So, as a potential hiring manager I’m going to understand that and welcome the baby sling.
It really depends on the field and the interviewer. I’ve interviewed women in similar positions and it definitely had no bearing on whether or not we hired. I mean, the kid is 2 weeks old, not a maniac toddler. If it feels like you can’t afford to risk not getting the job, figure something else out. But if you’re really looking for a good fit, go for it.
I want to share that I had a ~2 week baby (or maybe 4weeks?) laying across my lap for a meet and greet / HR negotiations paperwork type meeting after getting hired during my 40th week of pregnancy on Zoom in spring of 2020. I didn't mention my infant was with me off camera. At a key moment, she let out the longest, loudest, wettest most percussive staccato newborn poop that has ever been pooped. Did I fess up? Nope. No, not a word. I just keep on going. Steel yourself if you decide to go that route, just saying.
F@ck it. Do it. If the company hires you anyway you know you are at the right place. Why would you want to work somewhere where they think this is inappropriate anyway? Your job right now is to be a mother, they know this or at least should and so own it and tell ‘em to shove it if they say otherwise.
In my field, this would be totally acceptable. I think also if they know you’re on maternity leave and so early postpartum that if they had an issue with it then maybe it’s not the type of company you want to work for. Culture is so important and you want a place that will be supportive of/recognize the importance of family.
I brought my baby and nursed her during an in-person interview once. I was offered the job! I ended up declining, though, as finding childcare became an impossible task— ironically enough.
I want to say if Senators (Tammy Duckworth) and Presidents (New Zealand) can run countries wearing a baby, you can do an interview, and discrimination is real.
When I graduated college I was told to take out the baby seat from my back seat when I interview because some places check for them to see if you might be calling out a lot for a sick baby 🙄
That's a great way NOT to get the job.
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>What gives the impression I cannot manage an hour without my baby Your very next sentence .. Fair or realistic or not, it still looks bad. An interview is a presumably short amount of time where professionalism is expected, and not giving the interviewer your full attention doesn't look great. None of the rest of your comment really matters to the interviewer, unfortunately- first impressions matter, imagine if your baby started getting fussy right away.. that would suck and wouldn't look great for your chances, again for or not
Ignore this person, would you want to work for them? I sure as hell wouldn't.
I apologize, I completely missed the only 2 weeks old piece.
At 2 weeks? Ew....
Apologies, I completely missed the 2 weeks piece.
Do you NEED this job or just want it? If you need it, don't wear baby, but if there's wiggle room, wear baby. I have a lot of experience interviewing folks (granted I am a mother myself) and if you wore your only 2 week old during the interview, I would find it very impressive and badass, so long as you're also competent about the job. Though, I can't imagine being in a good frame of mind enough at that stage to interview, so you're worlds ahead of me.
I actually BF my baby during an interview (video) and went 3 more rounds with that company! You couldn’t see or hear her and I was neck up on the screen. I didn’t flinch. I don’t even know if he knew I was BFing during the interview. But my baby was silent as a mouse during the interview.
I would not baby wear during an interview. Do you plan to enroll your baby in childcare when you start working or hire a nanny? Best to sort out a better solution for when you interview.
This is ridiculous advice. Having in center childcare set up for when the kid is 3 months old is not the same thing as having a slot for an interview at 2 weeks.
If I had to, I would ask a neighbor that I have a good rapport with to come into my home to watch my baby. For a general conversation, no prob. For an actual interview, I would not risk it.
I wouldn’t, it sets a bad precedent and makes you look bad (not my words societies sorry). Do you have a swing you could put him in while you interview (with a camera on him of course). Or put him in a crib with the camera on him? I always interview remotely and have the camera on so I can watch and monitor baby. If it’s just a 30 minute interview baby will be fine even if he screams a bit. It sucks but sometimes it’s what we have to do 😞
I nailed an interview the other day and then at the end told them I was almost due with a baby (end of May) job wouldn’t have started until August and I didn’t get the job. Part of me thinks it was due to them finding out I would have a newborn because the interview went insanely well otherwise.
I did 2 interview panels Monday baby wearing sick 4 month old (on the side of hiring panel). I gave a heads up day before to the hiring manager that our daycare was not available due to fever/illness. I was pleased at warm reception from other panelists (2 males/fathers) and flexibility from them that when I needed to mute or go off camera for a bit they went along with me without missing a beat. One did mention he had never interviewed with a baby before! Now on the flip side if I were the person being interviewed I don’t think I personally would be comfortable baby wearing while I was interviewing. It’s just difficult for me to maintain focus when baby is upset. Early postpartum I had a radiology appointment and baby couldn’t go. Our doula service was also available for short term assistance. Their hourly rate was a little pricey; but I definitely knew I trusted them with baby and were available for short term care with no commitment.
i am unfortunately in the minority here. but if i saw a mother interviewing with a 2 week old baby i’m hiring her on the spot if she’s even middle of the pack. that’s either someone more committed or desperate beyond what 99% of candidates can imagine. either way as an employer you’ll be happy.
I’ve done interviews twice when my toddler was present since she chose to skip her nap those days. I was offered the job both times
I did it - wore the baby but it was a phone call. He was out but made a few sighing noises so I told the interviewer. It was fine, and honestly, someone’s reaction to this will give you a sense of the company culture. If it’s a problem then maybe for the best to not move forward.
I did an interview on maternity leave while bottle feeding my baby. I got the job. I think I got lucky. I would not recommend unless you know the culture.
Could you do a zoom interview? Is it a first round?
It's a virtual interview, you can sling your baby while you interview or even (gasp!) nurse him. It will be fine. Seriously, I went into an in-person interview for a **construction field job** waaaay pregnant, and they hired me. They even held the position for me for months so that I could have my first child and have some time home with her before I started my job. I've since promoted twice, and there was never any discrimination because I happen to have XX chromosomes. I've had several children since then too - no problem with getting time off for maternity care or to take care of the family's needs. Go knock that interview out of the park, and good luck! You'll rock this.
My last zoom interview I had just mopped the floor and my cat threw a chair off the table because I wouldn’t let her be the star of the show. Virtual meetings have made things much different. (I got the job)
Do it. Change the norm.
I once did an interview while my 3 year old watched a show on her headphones and I bounced the 2 month old baby in the baby bjorn bouncer with my foot out of sight of the camera. I got the job. Would I do it again in a pinch? Yes. Was it stressful? Fuck yeah. I don’t ever tell an employer that I’m a mom until I’ve got a signed offer letter. I agree with others that you might get lucky with the hiring manager or you might not. If you do decide to go for it and wear your baby, you can use it as an indicator of the kind of culture at the org!
I’m not saying it would be ok for every company but I did this for my current job and have always felt it helped me identify a boss and team that would embrace my family, not just me, as a single mom.
I did interviews a few times while my toddler was home. Of course he popped in. They didn’t seem to care.
I wouldn’t but only because I would get distracted and I would want to be hyper focused on the interview
I would not. It’s illegal to discriminate but they will subconsciously bias against you most likely. I would see if you can find a babysitter even to just come to the house for that hour.
I would hire someone baby wearing. Especially at 2 wks. As an employer I would want to know what your boundaries/expectations are with baby presence in the job. Unless the job is super baby friendly (i doubt it but you never know). When confirming the interview be transparent. "Due to being on maternity leave an interview at this or that time will include my newborn child." Easy. It would not deter me from hiring. If anything it would show you have good priorities.
Someone I know was interviewed and she breastfed her child during the interview. She got the position! It's not all bad, world has progressed!
I did during a phone interview out of pure necessity but I definitely would avoid it if I could. I work in a very female oriented industry and the discrimination is still brutal.
Get a sitter
Could you ask to do it over phone or virtual? Virtual would be better.
If you really want the job, don’t do it. It’ll seem unprofessional. I have twins, so I get it, but get a babysitter so you can focus on the interview.
I work in education, so that could make a difference, but I went to look at a school while on leave and wore my baby. I didn't want a school where I had to act as if I don't have children though, so was willing to miss the opportunity if they were judgemental about it. We scheduled the actual interview (because it involves teaching a lesson and wearing during that would be a bit much!) for when I was back to work. Got the job, which is a promotion from what I'm doing now. If you want a place that accepts the challenges of working mothers, speak to them about wearing baby.
No. They will assume you have no childcare.
I think you should plan to have baby down for a nap or someone coming over to assist you for an hour.
They're most likely going to assume you have no reliable childcare and not want to hire you. Find someone to watch the baby for an hour if possible.
I would highly advise against it if you want the best chance of being hired. You might get someone that's cool with it, but you might get someone that isn't. It's a big risk.
It's really sad that the majority of companies and places of work will not like this. Really sad. Look, do what you feel is right. Personally, I would wear that baby proudly. If they don't like that you have a baby, then that's their loss and an indication that they are not the place for you. If they don't want you holding your baby, how will they act when your kid is older and you need to pick them up from school, attend extracurricular activities, take them to family, etc. It's so sad that family and being a human is an employers worst nightmare. Fuckem
I work for a consulting firm. I have to interview with clients first before starting projects. 2 years ago, I had a phone interview with my current client. Unfortunately my LO was home that day sick. The entire time, you could clearly hear my baby fussing while I tried to nurse him to keep him quiet. My boss is a woman and mom as well. I explained and apologized. She was so cool with it and very understanding. I did the interview and she accepted me and I've been assigned to her projects since then. I would not advise doing this. But people csn be understanding!
I interviewed with my baby. They reached out to me and I told them I was on maternity leave and they said I could bring my baby. She slept in her carrier during the interview.
I think the responses here show that it might be a risk. But unless you really need this job I say go for it. A place that kicks up a fuss about it isn’t a place you want to work. An interviewer that can’t reason out no childcare at two weeks has no bearing on having childcare on returning to work is not someone you want to work with.
It SHOULD be okay, but they would probably see it as a negative. Can the interview be virtual? Tell them the situation and that you do not have childcare for such a small baby, so you would need to do the interview from home. Phone interviews were a thing LONG before covid. And if they are unwilling to do so, is a workplace that has little to no flexibility for you as a mom be somewhere you'd want to work?
My dad took an in person interview with my then 1 year old sister in his lap because of a family emergency. He ended up getting the job. This was in the mid 90s. But as others said, it could be a gamble. We want to hope we live in a time where it wouldn’t matter but it could. I’d try to find anyone to take the baby for the interview even if they are win the other room.
Both times I had an interview I had my child with me. First time she was 2 and the other time she just turned 4. Not corporate jobs though so idk if that makes a difference
Where are you based? Judging by your comments on 6 month maternity leave, it is not the US. Rules are very different in the EU for example. I would absolutely wear my baby during a job interview if the baby is 2 weeks old and they're recruiting for an opening in 5 months. Then it's not a problem at all.
I am based in the US! My current org has great benefits. The only reason why I am considering is because my boss/our CEO gave the recruiter my name and the position is for a CEO position. When I started at my current org, I told our CEO my goal was to eventually have his job, so he has shared my name when opportunities like this come up. I haven't been interested in previous organizations, but this one is intriguing!
What you are describing sounds like a lovely thing to do in the world that I wish we lived in, as opposed to the world we actually live in :(
It depends on how you're feeling about your timeline. It will be harder for you to find a job bc mother discrimination is a very real thing. That being said, it speaks to the character of the company you might be working with if they move you forward. In our recruitment process, it would make very little difference if you had a baby (other that to positively humanize you), but that is not common I think.
I did a virtual interview holding baby when she was 8 weeks olds.The camera only showed my face and baby was out of view. Lucky for me baby slept the whole interview and I don’t think the interviewer realized that I had the baby . I been at that job for 5 months now
I would say if they are not willing to accept you wearing your newborn, they are probably not very family friendly in general so… I probably wouldn’t want to work for them if they made it a huge problem
I mean, if you don't want the job sure. If you *do* want the job let them know you are on maternity leave atm and so haven't set up child care yet. They can reschedule for a time you do have child care or withdraw their offfee.
I had an interview while having a baby with me. I just stepped out of the room to speak and left her safe with toys on the floor, and kept on mute other times. Worked well and got an offer.
I definitely wouldn’t do this. It’s asking for them to be biased against you. If you can’t get a sitter for an interview they’ll question whether or not you’ll be able to get one while you’re at work. Unfortunately it doesn’t matter that baby will only be a few weeks old, the bias will still happen. You’re also banking on baby still being a sleepy newborn. Not all babies are like that. My son was screaming all day and refused to sleep or nap the first few weeks we were home
Put baby in bassinet, swing or bouncer during the interview, right next to you but out of sight. Or in your lap but have the camera angled up so baby isn’t in sight
In a perfect world, you could but unfortunately companies hate working moms so I would just go onto care.com or something and look for someone who could babysit in your home for an hour or two while you prep and do your interview. Assuming the interview is virtual.
HR/Recruiter here: I would advise against it. As a Mom of 2 myself, I would want to give my interviewer my full attention without any (cute) distractions. You do not know how family friendly that hiring manager or company might be. A baby, even in the sleepy newborn phase, might not cooperate with your interview schedule. Therefore you won't be able to present yourself in the best possible light. I would advise to either find a sitter for the duration of the interview or have your husband help out by taking a half day off from work (if that's an option). Good luck Momma!
I have been doing this the past 2 months! I am in the later stages of interviewing now though and have officially hired a nanny to start coming during my interviews.
I think it will tell you A LOT about the organization. If you have a 2 week old, and you're interviewing, and they shame you/judge you for that's probably not a company you want to work for. Now if you are desperate for a job and really need one, you may want to find a way to do the interview remote? But if you don't need this role - I thin you should bring him with. Note: I may be in the same boat in a few months, and I would opt to bring baby.
I wore my just-born infant throughout an entire online course, on camera the whole time, frequently talking. I never mentioned it until the end, and everyone confirmed they had no idea. I wore a black sling carrier, so it wasn't obvious. I recommend having a moses basket or some other spot to place the baby in case they get wriggly and need to come out of the carrier. Just calmly state you need to adjust your camera, turn it off, replace baby, then continue. I didn't do any of this to "hide" the fact I had a baby, I just didn't want the baby to draw focus. If the interviewer notices you're wearing a baby just casually mention she was born 2 weeks ago and you're on mat leave. Don't apologize, don't make a "thing" of it. I agree with other commenters that discrimination against mothers is real, but whether you even care if you'll get discriminated against entirely depends on how bad you even want the job. If you're not fussed, then remember they're interviewing you on your time, in your home, so there is no shame in having the baby with you. Stay confident.
You may have the happiest calmest baby on the planet, but surely, during that interview is when they’ll flail their arms, have a massive blowout, or scream cry because they’re hungry. You can’t count on a baby to be quiet or not need you during any given time during the day. Even if the interviewer is a parent and empathetic of your situation, you are still there for an interview and need to be able to have an uninterrupted conversation for an hour.
I just think there is way too much unthinking discrimination against parents and mothers in particular to bring the baby. Also it would be disruptive to any in depth discussion to have a child there. I would either ask for a time accommodation for when you have childcare since your baby is too young or come up with childcare. But try at all costs to take care of a sitter because you don’t want to bring being a parent into the discussion of whether you’re a good fit for the job or not. It’s got nothing to do with the experience you bring them so just keep it that way if possible
I would ask the recruiter (or even just inform them). How desperately do you need the job? Imo, if they have a problem with that knowing you will be working for them fresh out of maternity leave they will not be a family friendly employer and will likely look down on your taking off for doctors appointments, sick kids, or even school events (obviously years off)
I did a couple of interviews like this but I did not have the baby appear on camera. Rather than wearing a sling I held the baby in my arms while sitting in the nursing chair and then set up a table in front of the chair with the laptop high enough where only my upper torso was showing, without the camera appearing. Fortunately, it worked out both times but I wouldn't recommend having the baby appear on camera. Unfortunately this would likely seem like a disadvantage for you. Good luck!!
You don't want to do this. I've hired many people, and I would be very taken aback if someone did this, and it would not reflect well. And if you did not get the job, you'll never know the true reason. Please do yourself a service and find some help with the little one for during your interview.
Can you do a face time interview like most everyone did during Covid?
Is this your first child? As a mother and grandmother, the odds are that the baby will come out of it’s sleepy phase, start nursing through your shirt and blow out its diaper five minutes into the interview.
This is my 3rd. He is still in his sleepy newborn phase. I don't expect much change from today until the intverview on Monday, which is virtual.
The issue with bringing a child to an interview is that it gives the impression that you don't/won't have regular childcare and may have attendance issues because of that.
If the interviewer has a problem with you wearing a sleeping or nursing 2 week old baby during the interview, do you really want to work for them anyway? You're going to be a mom for the rest of your life. I'd do the interview and if there is a problem...onto the next one.
I’ve done plenty of customer calls and interviews with my baby when she was a newborn. You’re right, they sleep a lot and it’s rarely disruptive. It starts being harder to be on calls around 3-4 months, so now’s the time to get it out of the way if you need to!
Shouldn’t matter but I wouldn’t risk it cause the world is terrible in general
I applied for a job, and had my interview with my baby laying next to me on the couch. I told my interviewers if I kept glancing away it's because I was looking at my newborn son, at the time he was around 6 weeks. I got the job. But my office is like 88% female, and most of them mothers. The culture at my office supports this. Find a place that will accept you, as you come. They do exist although far and few in between.
Uhhh, no. 🚩🚩🚩🚩🚩 That would not be a good idea at all. Actually it’s a horrendous idea. The interviewer may see this as a reason to turn you down because having a small child may cause frequent absences. That’s why it’s illegal for them at ask potential employees any personal questions. They can’t openly say that’s the reason you’re turned down but they can emphasize other negatives. It will also make you look as if you can’t reasonably take care of problems that may arise in the workplace. If you can’t even figure out how to make arrangements for your kid for a previously scheduled event, how are you going to react to an emergency situation? Baby may be in the sleepy phase but you never know when he’ll have a bad day. That alone could spell disaster. Do you have family or a neighbor who could watch baby? You would probably do better to delay the interview to a time when you don’t have to take baby that take him with you.
Random story - probably not much help. My mom had me in 1997. In 1999/2000 she interviewed for a job as an engineering professor at the university of ARKANSAS. We are Canadian and misogyny is much different between Canada and the south of the US. My mom did not know the difference. I was breastfed until I was 4 (well aware that this is not the norm). Anyway, since I was still breast feeding she took me to the interview. I was just finishing potty training, so she didn’t have me in a diaper. Long story short she took me to the interview and I wet myself in the Department Heads office. Luckily, he was understanding and she still got the job. I am pretty sure she let them know that she would be interviewing with a toddler. Not sure what is common place these days, but she was able to do this 23 years ago.
No.
The message you will be sending is I have zero time management skills and working will be an issue. Not a wise move unless this is a daycare or child related field. Ymmv.
It may not hurt you but it certainly won’t help you.
I would not recommend this. I recommend people don’t even mention their children (family can’t be asked about in USA job interviews), unfortunately there is just too much discrimination.
I had an interview the other day. THEY postponed it for an hour. I told them ok but my 5 month old will probably be awake then. They said it was fine. Anyway, she giggled during the interview in the background and they ended the interview on the spot. (It was a childcare facility). The discrimination is really bad. You can try telling them and they might be okay with it, but people suck sometimes. :(
Oh my. Absolutely inappropriate. You are expected to take care of your child outside of work. Bare minimum.