Navigating Your First Interview After Baby

Get Pregnant Fast

Updated: Jan. 8, 2016
Originally Published: Feb. 2, 2013

After welcoming my little one into the world, I found myself heading back to work just three months post-baby. The next six months were a whirlwind of emotions; I was filled with joy and fulfillment but often pondered drastic changes—like switching careers or even quitting altogether. Then, out of the blue, an ideal job opportunity appeared. Excited and terrified, I realized I had to face an interview for the first time since becoming a mom.

I dove into my preparations—researching the company, studying their website, and Googling everything I could find. I prioritized a good night’s sleep, nutritious meals, and even squeezed in some exercise. I treated myself to a salon visit for a fresh hairdo, splurging on highlights and a stylish cut because, why not? (Well, let’s just say my husband and I had to survive on cereal the following week.) With my outfit planned and advice solicited from fashion-savvy friends, I felt ready for the big day.

Then came the morning of the interview.

Here are the lessons I learned, hoping they help at least one new mom out there:

1. Utilize Childcare Wisely: Drop your baby off at their favorite childcare in the morning to carve out time for yourself. I mistakenly thought I could manage getting ready with my little one at home. As you can imagine, it was chaos—she decided to test gravity by attempting to dive off the bed and then serenaded me through her nap. Trying to apply makeup while juggling a fussy baby is a recipe for disaster.
2. Don’t Delay Your Prep: Avoid the temptation to put off makeup application or any last-minute preparations until just before the interview. I thought I’d save my makeup for a quick touch-up at Starbucks, but my liquid concealer had other plans, spilling all over my makeup bag. I ended up frantically applying concealer, studying notes, and trying to meditate in the parking lot of an Office Depot—totally not ideal.
3. Plan Ahead for Breastfeeding: If you’re nursing, pump before you head out and ensure all necessary parts are at hand. Forgetting the power cord at work meant I found myself in a rather awkward situation, pumping in my kitchen sink while wearing my carefully chosen interview outfit. It was a moment of realization—things were definitely different now.
4. Map Out Your Route: Plan your travel route the night before. Trusting your phone’s GPS can be a huge mistake, especially when it fails at a critical moment. I ended up lost and cursing my luck, scrambling to refresh my GPS while worrying about my still-unapplied makeup.
5. Remember to Breathe: With all the pressure, it’s easy to feel as if this first interview is your only chance. But it’s not. There will be numerous opportunities ahead, and you are more than just a caregiver. You are capable, valuable, and deserving of success. As Florence and the Machine says, shake it off and present your incredible self—one interview at a time, one breath at a time.

For more insights on parenting and navigating life after baby, check out other posts like this one on Cervical Insemination. If you’re considering home insemination options, Make A Mom offers quality at-home insemination kits. Additionally, for those interested in understanding IVF better, this Wikipedia page is an excellent resource.

In summary, preparing for your first interview after becoming a mother can be daunting, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can navigate this new chapter successfully.