Can I Bring My Kids to a Job Interview?

Hiring managers will tell you a lot of hilarious stories about job interviews. Some of the most interesting stories have to do with a candidate’s family. Some hiring managers have had young workers come in with a parent to negotiate salary. The end result of the negotiation was usually “$0.00.”

If you have young kids, there may come a time that you struggle to find them a babysitter when you need to go to the job interview. You may be tempted to bring them to the interview because:

• You cannot find anyone to take care of them.
• You think that showing the employer you have a loving family will help you get the job.

If you are tempted to bring your children to a job interview, don’t. Little kids have no place in the office. Bring your child to the job interview and you are bringing in a needless distraction and the appearance of poor responsibility. Who brings their kid to a job interview? Irresponsible parents, that’s who!

What if You Have No Choice

It is possible that you have no choice. You may find that you can’t get a babysitter or they cancel at the last moment. If this happens, call up the hiring manager immediately. In a non-panicky voice, let them know of the problem and ask the interviewer if they would like to reschedule. Most likely the interviewer will suggest that you bring the child with you or allow you to reschedule the appointment. Employers understand the needs of a parent with a child. The main thing not to do is sound exasperated or call with excessive apologizing as though you are struggling to handle this turn of events.

Before you call, try your best to find someone to take care of your child. Only in the rare event that you must bring your kid to the interview should you call the interviewer and use the method described above.

Take Away Interview Tips

• Don’t bring your child to the job interview.
• Don’t bring your child to the job interview.
• If you need to bring your child to the job interview, don’t.
• If you really need to bring your child to the interview, call and calmly ask to reschedule.

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5. Question and Answer – How to Go to a Job Interview during Work