Job Interview Advice Needed

[cinnamongirl]

Ok, here's the situation: I've been out of work since November. Been looking for a job all this time. Became preg in January. I am on unemployment, but that runs out in November (I'm due in October)

I have a job interview tomorrow and there are 2 different positions they are filling: summer work and full-time. Summer work ends the second week of September.

I need to have worked 600 hours (40 hours/wk for 15 wks) in order to qualify for mat leave. If I work the summer hours, I will just make it, and then can go on mat leave...

But, I've been so afraid of going back to work, as there's women who are getting fired because they're preg (illegal, I know...). I also need to give my employer 15 weeks notice that I'm going on mat leave. So, I will need to tell them in approx 8 weeks time that I'm preg.

Here, there is a 3 month 'probationary period' in which u can legally be terminated for no reason...I'm scared that if I tell them, they will fire me, and then I'll be left with no unemployment, and no mat leave, and we'd be in a much worse situation than we are now.

I'm wondering what u gals think I should do here. Should I be up front with them at the interview and tell them that I'd like to work the summer hours, but that I can work until mid-October if they'll let me? Or should I just say nothing, and keep my fingers crossed that they let me keep my job? (assuming of course, that I get offered a position)

Thanks ladies!!!

 

[kimfrye661]

Thats what happened with me. My unemployment ends at the end of this month but I heard that I can apply for an extension. I finally just gave up on searching for a job because it seemed like NOBODY wanted to hire me.

 

[tasha41]

I'd say you're interested in the summer position at your interview. You're not legally obliged to say that you're pregnant or discuss your family at all in an interview. If you get a 2nd interview or call back, or if you get the job, tell them right away I guess but tell them when your due date is, when you plan to be able to work until, etc. The worst they could do would be fire you, right! And after you go through the hiring process with someone in some jobs it's easier just to keep them on and really unless there's a reason you can't do the work.. it SHOULD be alright. Especially since you'd be seasonal and not full time needing a replacement for your mat leave!

 

[eclipse]

Tasha (as usual) gives good advice. That is exactly what I was going to say. Go for the summer position, say you can work until October if they would like. Don't bring it up, but if they bring it up, I wouldn't lie. Are there any avenues you can pursue if you are fired for being pregnant? I know in the states we have protections against that but I don't know Canada laws. Good luck on your interview(s), you will do great!!

 

[cinnamongirl]

Thanks Girls! I was planning on asking for the summer position, as it would be over in September, and chances are, they wouldn't fire me cuz they only need me for a short time, and I wouldn't be going on leave until after the position was done...I was also thinking of telling them about my situation if they offer me a job. That way, if they retract the offer after I tell them about my pregnancy, then I may have a leg to stand on for discrimination. I think I will tell them also that I can work until early to mid October if need be...any extra $$ is a good thing!

Helpful ladies, as usual!
Thanks!

 

[Sarahkka]

You most certainly do have legal recourse if they fire you over being pregnant. and you don't have to inform them about mat leave until 2 weeks before your leave date.
Check it out:
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/es/guide/guide_11.html