The First Interview After Baby: A New Mom’s Journey

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Staying home with a newborn is an incredible experience, but it can also come with financial strain. If both parents aren’t in stable, full-time jobs, a blissful year can quickly morph into stress and worrying about finances.

As my contract is set to end soon, I’ve been actively searching for new opportunities both in and outside my field during my remaining parental leave. After a few minor successes, I finally landed an interview at a company I truly admire.

To prepare, I spent hours getting ready. I compiled a portfolio showcasing my achievements, reached out to my references to ensure they’d be ready to speak on my behalf, and even got a fresh haircut the night before. I treated myself to a new skirt and gave my heels a proper polish. My hands, which had taken a beating from baby care, were scrubbed and moisturized, with a clear gloss applied to my nails. I dry-cleaned my blazer and even packed a clean blouse in my bag—just in case my little one had a spit-up incident on the way. I was pumped and prepared!

However, I greatly underestimated the effects of “Mommy-brain.” Here are some insights I wish I had before my first interview:

1. Leave the Baby at Home. Though I didn’t take my baby to the interview, the thought briefly crossed my mind. Finding a babysitter during the day was challenging, and I joked about my baby sleeping in the corner of the interview room. Thankfully, my 25-year-old sister stepped in as a sitter, but I even considered having her accompany me to keep my baby close—what was I thinking?
2. Arrive on Time. My sitter was punctual, but I found myself dawdling. Was there enough food? Were all the emergency contacts correct? By the time I finished my fussing, I was late for my interview—something that had never happened to me before.
3. Focus on Professional Skills, Not Parenting. While everyone knows motherhood is fulfilling, interviews should center on your professional qualifications, not your parenting experiences. If you’re successful in landing the position, there will be opportunities to share about your family in a more appropriate context. And please, leave the baby photos at home!
4. Avoid “Baby Talk.” After a year of directing my toddler with phrases like, “Don’t touch the baby!” and simplifying complex ideas, I realized during the interview that I struggled to articulate my thoughts clearly. I should have practiced speaking professionally beforehand. A quick review of some industry journals or my resume would have helped jog my memory.
5. Prepare for Memory Lapses. Midway through the interview, I found myself forgetting key aspects of my professional history—like programs I led or even the names of colleagues. Instead of giving strong reasons for why I should be hired, I resorted to sharing unrelated, emotional stories. This issue was compounded by nerves, but I could have avoided it by bringing a simple checklist of points to discuss.

Ultimately, I didn’t get the job, but I did receive my period. Thanks, universe!

If you’re navigating the world of work after having a baby, check out more resources like this one on infertility and consider tools from Make a Mom for your family-building journey. For more insights on home insemination, visit Intracervical Insemination.

Summary:

Returning to work after having a baby is a daunting task filled with challenges, from managing time to articulating professional skills. With careful preparation and focus, you can navigate this transition smoother. Remember to prioritize your professional strengths and be ready for the unique challenges that come with being a new parent.