washingtonpost.com/jobs


JOBS EFGHI SUNDAY, JULY 18, 2010 The big reveal: When to disclose your pregnancy


HOW TO DEAL Lily Garcia


In the interview process, is it necessary to disclose that I am pregnant? I am now in the phone-interview stage of talking with a company, and they have asked me to come into the office to meet folks. I’m 71


⁄2 months


pregnant, so they will obviously recognize this when we meet. Do I need to tell them before the meeting? If I wait, how do I handle it when we meet in person? How do I address any fears they have about my work ethic?


I often hear from women agonizing over when and how they should tell a current or prospective employer about an early pregnancy that can be concealed. But I have never before been asked the equally important question of when and how a visible pregnancy should be disclosed after progressing past the phone interview. From personal experience, I can tell you that the element of surprise can operate in your favor. During my second pregnancy, I was self-employed and found myself often having initial meetings with prospective clients by phone, followed by more-substantive discussions in person. During the later months of my pregnancy, I wondered whether I should somehow be breaking the news to my would-be clients before they saw me. I decided against that for two important reasons. Foremost, I could not think of a natural introduction to the subject. I rehearsed different ways in which I could blithely let people know on the phone what they should expect to encounter at the restaurant, coffee shop or office where we planned to meet. “All right, then,” I imagined saying. “I will see you at Clyde’s on Tuesday at noon. I will be the pregnant woman in the suit.” Somehow, it did not feel right to divulge this very personal bit about my health and appearance in a phone conversation with a business acquaintance. Would I have told them if I were very overweight or thin, if I walked with a limp, if I wore bifocal glasses? In my non-pregnant life, I had simply identified myself by hair color and length. It also seemed obvious that a job applicant’s pregnancy raises many questions in the mind of a hiring manager. Your interviewer might wonder if you have pregnancy-related health issues that would prevent you from being productive, how much maternity leave you will try to negotiate, whether you will eventually leave for a more


Good riddance to KSAs: When does the


KSA [knowledge, skills and abilities state- ment] requirement go away for government jobs? The last time I mailed off a packet to ap- ply for a job, I received a form letter six months later saying I was not in consider- ation because “my application was incom- plete.” I amsure I included everything. Imet every qualification for this job and I ama vet- eran! Please tell me it is getting better.


Derrick Dortch: The newsystem for taking résumés is supposed to go into effect by No- vember. This is not going to be an easy transi- tion, so I can’t promise you that it will be im- mediately better. Whenever you are going to apply for a posi-


CHRIS GASH FOR THE WASHINGTON POST


family-friendly organization. Although I was a consultant and not an applicant for employment, I still worried that companies would hesitate to retainmy services if they felt that I might not be available for as many hours, or with the same intensity or dedication, as a non-pregnant competitor.


Of course, pregnancy is entirely irrelevant to a


woman’s professional qualifications, which is what should form the basis of any sensible (and legal) hiring decision. However, if you reveal on the phone that you are expecting, there is nothing to prevent a prospective employer who has had a bad prior experience to find an excuse for canceling your onsite interview. You might be ready with intelligent, thoughtful responses to the employer’s concerns, but that does you little good if you never get the opportunity to present your credentials in person. My best advice is to buy a great-looking


maternity business suit, prepare thoroughly for your job interview, and march in with a confident attitude. When the interviewer’s eyes bulge at the sight of your pregnant belly, laugh self-assuredly and say something like, “Surprise!” (No better icebreaker has ever been invented.) Then state,


while maintaining the same easy and professional air, that you expect them to have questions about your availability and commitment, and that you are prepared with answers that are sure to put them at ease. Offer to address the issue up front or wait until later in the interview, when your potential start date and availability are up for discussion. What you convey through this approach is that, in your view, pregnancy has no bearing on your qualifications for the job. It is simply a temporary condition on the path of a highly successful and productive career that can be managed in a fairly routine fashion. If you truly believe this and you believe in your ability to excel despite the fact that you are in the third trimester of your pregnancy, then the hiring manager will soon believe it, too.


ON WASHINGTONPOST.COM Lily Garcia has advised companies on employment law and


human resources for more than 10 years. A weekly version of her column and a twice-monthly online chat appear at washingtonpost.com/jobs. E-mail questions to hradvice@washingtonpost.com.


tion, make sure you get in touch with the hu- man resources point of contact. Find out what the timeline is for the position.Whendo they expect to do interviews and complete the hire?Never wait several months to hear back. After you apply, follow up and make sure


everything is in order, then follow up again to see if you are making the “eligible” list and are being referred to the selecting official or hir- ing manager. You need to be in touch with someone every step of the way. Contact your veterans’ representative in


the agencies of interest. President Obama is pushing initiatives to get veterans hired. Go to Feds Hire Vets Web site, fedshirevets.gov, to find contacts for veterans within that agen- cy. Reach out to them. Have your self-marketing materials (in-


cluding federal résumé and KSAs) reviewed by a professional or someone who is knowl- edgeable. Make sure that what you are put- ting out is really selling you as the best candi- date.


ONLINE DISCUSSION Join Derrick Dortch for his next chat at 11 a.m.Wednesday at


washingtonpost.com/discussions. JOBS CHAT


Staying on top of the federal hiring system


Derrick T. Dortch, president of the Diversa


Group, is a career counselor who specializes in government job searches and military transition. This is adapted from a recent chat at washingtonpost.com.


HOWDOYOU CREATE SUCCESS?


Federal Business Builder Vice President of


Business Development


Altron, Inc. a provider of IT solutions and professional services to the Federal government for 17 years, seeks a federal sales powerhouse and business partner to propel our award-winning and versatile services into new agencies and lead us in new directions.


The individualweseek is a well-established insider within the federal arena who has a keen understanding of the missions and challenges of specific DOD and/or Civilian agencies. Relying on his/her knowledge of business opportunities and key decision-makers, the individual will personally secure new opportunities, create winning proposals, and participate in the deployment of services, while building the team and organizational infrastructure needed to support our continuous growth.


This executive level position offers a competitive salary, outstanding equity earning potential, and a comprehen- sive, low-employee cost benefit package.


To apply for this position, visit our Careers page athttp://www.altroninc.com


Altron is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer


Are you fluent in English or bilingual, and interested in helping others become successful in their journey to learn a new language? If so, then Rosetta Stone wants you.


• Customer Success Associates (FT) – fluent in English or bilingual motivators that encourage our learners as they work to reach their language-learning goals with Rosetta Stone.


• Product/Technical Support Specialist (FT) – to help our learners resolve any technical issues they encounter while using the Rosetta Stone®


product.


• Studio Coaches (Teachers) (PT) – Native speakers to facilitate a series of energetic language classes for learners of all levels in the following languages: Spanish, French, German, English, Portuguese, Japanese, Italian, and Chinese.


See what the world’s #1 language-learning software is all about. Earn a competitive salary while working from home.


Apply online: http://www.customersuccessjobs.com


©2010 Rosetta Stone Ltd. All rights reserved.


Our growth means even more ways to express yourself.


Value City Furniture, one of the nation’s leading and fastest growing exclusive furniture retailers with over a billion dollars in annual sales is growing this summer in your area! Our associates a receive highly competitive compensation and benefits


package; including health and dental insurance, 401(k), paid vacationsand holidays,andagenerousassociate discount.Weare currentlyrecruitingfor:


• HOME FURNISHING SALES CONSULTANTS


Interviews will take place for our soon-to-be open Sterling store on: Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday July 19, 20, 21 • 11am-6pm


AT THE HAMPTON INN DULLES/CASCADES 46331 MCCLELLAN WAY


STERLING, VA 20165 • PH: 703-450-9595 www.vcf.com


Comptroller Salary Range: $102,779 – 132,467.00


The District of Columbia Housing Authority is seeking a highly experienced Comptroller to provide management to the Office of Financial Management staff, activities and operations; ensures compliance with all Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and standards; responsible for direct oversight in the accounting and reporting associated with the financial management functions. Candidate must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Finance/ Business Administration or related fi eld along with a minimum of five (5) years fi nancial management experience in a leadership position. Expert knowledge of District and Federal laws, regulations and rules affecting housing financial management programs. Master’s Degree and CPA preferred.


Interested and qualified candidates may mail, e-mail or fax resumes to:


Human Resources Department 1133 North Capitol Street, NE Suite 222 Washington, DC 20002 Attention: Lynne Foster, Human Resources Generalist


E-mail: lfoster@dchousing.org Fax: (202) 535-1375


We are an EEO Employer


The District of ColumbiaWater and Sewer Authority (DCWater) is seeking a talented and committed individual to serve in the role of GENERAL COUNSEL!


DCWater has been recognized for outstanding service, product reliability and cost-effective operations. The authority operates one of the largest advanced wastewater treatment plants and sewer utilities in the world. DCWater provides high quality drinking water, wastewater collection and treatment for 2 million customers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.


DCWater is currently interviewing experienced legal professionals for the General Counsel position. In this highly visible role, the General Counsel manages, coordinates, and performs all actions necessary to provide competent, timely legal advice to the General Manager, the Board of Directors and all offices and departments of DCWater. The ideal candidate will demonstrate and provide a wide range of experience, skills and capabilities to become a leader throughout DCWater.


This position requires a Juris Doctorate (JD) from an ABA-accredited school of law and ten (10) years of related legal experience inclusive of five (5) years of managerial experience, or an equivalent level of experience in a comparable field. Legal experience with an environmental organization, utility or government agency desirable. The ideal candidate must be a member of the DC Bar, or willing to achieve membership in the DC Bar within one year of hire.


DCWater offers an excellent compensation and benefits package to include health, dental, RX, and vision insurance and an outstanding retirement program.


To join our team, please visit our website at www.dcwater.com and click on “careers”.


AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE


Discover a career at NIH: It’s about life


National Institutes of Health Veteran’s Hiring Event


The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the world’s premier biomedical research institution. Our employees are driven by our mission: to discover new knowledge to help prevent, detect, diagnose and treat disease and disability. NIH is home to thousands of heroes in hundreds of careers, all committed to realizing a common goal: Improving life for the Nation and the world.


JOB FAIR


Thursday, July 22, 2010 9:00 am - 12:00 pm


Address: 820 Follin Lane, Vienna, VA 22180 (In the Cafeteria)


Qualified applicants are invited to interview for various temporary positions: Mortgage Processor/Closer, Administrative and Underwriting (40 hrs/week.)


The applicants would be considered for positions at Headquarters and Herndon locations.


Please bring a copy of your resume. www.navyfederal.org


NIH will be hosting an invitational hiring event for veterans. Applications will be accepted from 19-23 July via www.jobs.nih. gov/veteranshire.htm. We are looking to fill a variety of positions within the following fields:


Administrative, Facilities, Information Technology, Medical, Supply.


Please review the vacancy announcement for more details on our numerous employment opportunities for the entry to mid-level positions. Applications must be received by 23 July, 2010 to be considered for an interview.


*U.S. citizenship required and veterans supporting documentation is required.


www.jobs.nih.gov/veteranshire.htm National Institutes of Health


U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Equal Opportunity Employers


It’s an exciting time at DCWater, formerly DCWASA.


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