Pregnancy Complicates The Candidate's Interview

Edited questions from Career Tracks, Mary Ellen Slayter's online discussion about workplace issues.

Atlanta: My job has become unstable in the last couple of months. I am pregnant and showing. How do I interview for a job when the potential employer knows I am going on maternity leave in a few months?

Make it clear that you plan to return after having the baby, and make the maternity leave part of your negotiations. Know that it may not be paid.

It's not the best circumstance in which to search for a job, but if a company wants you badly enough, it will try to work something out.

Fairfax: What's the policy on attending job fairs while still employed? What if your company has a table there? I've heard lots of people say it's good to get out there, even to see market value, etc.

It's not a bad idea, just to meet people and look around. But if your company has a table at the job fair, I wouldn't go.

Rockville: Can I ask for a raise based on my market value? I had a great year last year, and my employer acknowledged this and gave me a 5 percent raise. I want a 7 percent raise, which would bring me up to market value. (I work in the private sector, yet make slightly less than what I would make if I were in a government position.) I can argue that I did great work, but my employer would just agree and say that's why I received 5 percent.

Of course you can ask. But it sounds as if you have already asked -- and that you have your answer. If you want more, consider going elsewhere.