Reply to Is it OK/appropriate to ask about maternity leave in an interview?

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Reply to "Is it OK/appropriate to ask about maternity leave in an interview?"

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]i recently intereviewed for 2 jobs last week and was told upfront i was the top candidate, i blew both b/c I asked about work life balance and needing to leave most days by 5 and mentioned i have children that i need to pick up from daycare. This is my first time interviewing after having children and so I didn't know how to handle it and was VERY honest. My headhunter told me their feedback was great but felt they were discriminating b/c i had asked those things and told me next time to never ever mention anything about my personal life, ie/ that i even had kids and nevr bring up daycare duty. I was trying to be responsible b/c DH's husband is a lot of travel and I need to be back for pick up by 5:30/6....I thought it was a legit question, but it gave the interviewer an upper hand a reason to discrminate. I never saw it that way until the HH and I discussed it afterwards. I would not ask about Mat leave. Instead try to see if you can google info on it, or ask for a benefits package b/f accepting the role. [/quote]

I have a flexible job and believe in a family-friendly work environment where people work hard but have some balance and flexibility.  My workplace is known for this.  We work long hours but are known to have flexibility.  Having said that, it is a red flag to me when people ask specifics about this during the interview stage.  I think it shows poor judgment and etiquette, and can make people look like they are more focused on what they get out of the job than what they can offer the employer.  Obviously we're each in it for ourselves but at the same time, a job interview is about selling yourself.  So in teh end, it's not even about discrimination (though that may happen a lot), it's about using good judgment.  Do not ask about benefits in interviews, period.  Do not ask about pumping.  Get an offer and then negotiate away.  I have reservationsa bout people who would raise these things in an interview, even if I'd gladly accomodate later.[/quote]

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