Haven’t told prospective employer I’m currently on FMLA. Did I screw up?

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I’m currently on FMLA to care for a terminally ill parent. I’m due to return back to work in about five weeks. An unexpected opportunity came up and I interviewed for the really great job and somehow made it through to the final rounds I wasn’t expecting it but I think I’m going to get an offer as it’s going REALLY well with the hiring team. I haven’t told either prospective or current employer. I just left my resume as “current job” and have been speaking mostly in the present tense. Is this going to harm my chances?

It felt too messy and complicated to talk about and also it’s just hard to talk about as it’s my mom who’s sick and will be moving into assisted living (I’m here caregiving and helping get her settled in a safe place with medical care).

in recruitingby Mediocre_Principle

100%

17d

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Compile_A_Smile1101

16d

Current recruiter here: it could harm your chances, and you should treat it as if it will definitely harm your chances. Under NO circumstances should you reveal this to the hiring team until after a verbal offer has come to you, and even then, do not tell them over the phone, make sure it is in writing after you've asked to take a look at the written contract and benefits packet. They cannot then pretend to back out feigning as if it's for some other reason, because it will be plain as day in ink if they are backing out after you've revealed you're on FMLA.

Many employers are empathetic and with-the-times, so I would guess it's about 60%-70% chance they wouldn't have an issue with it. But we are absolutely NOT beyond this prejudice in the hiring market, and I would honestly say it's a 30%-40% chance this would remove you from consideration. I have seen it happen first-hand (and attempted) and it typically doesn't actually come from the nice people you've interviewed with or even their HR: it comes from the "managers manager", aka, all the unfiltered narcissists who make up the C-suite. They make insane demands to their downline managers about starting new hires before specific deadlines, set expectations on how quickly those people need to ramp, and reign over their business divisions with an air of fear and mystique. The pressure that those managers are under to keep their jobs then affect their hiring decisions, and HR is left scrambling to keep these people in check. Many times they fail... and lawsuits ensue.

Just be smart about this and plan for the worst but hope for the best. Good luck in your upcoming interviews!

Mediocre_Principle

16d

Wow this is eye opening. Question for you. If I resign once an offer is given and then tell new employer my start date that works within the two week window does it ever need to come up? Again this is not my own health condition, it’s an immediate family member.

1re_endacted1

16d

I wouldn’t tell them at all, it’s none of their business. As long as you can start on the start date.

Doesn’t matter if they back out after you tell them about FMLA. Can you prove it? Would you even want to take the time to pursue that?

Mediocre_Principle

16d

Hoping my FMLA ends around the time they want me to start so I can give my resignation and wrap up. If an offer comes I’ll do my best to coordinate my start date. It’s such a weird situation I’ve never taken leave before for anything and really wasn’t looking for a new job. An old coworker suggested I apply. It’s a vastly better opportunity than what I’m doing now so I just don’t want to absolutely blow my chances.

1re_endacted1

16d

I hope it works out. FMLA still counts as employed so if you do leave you won’t have gaps in employment on your resume. Good luck!