Simple online interview, two-step interview process where they asked basic standard questions about my previous employment experiences and what value I could add to the team and overall company culture

Macquarie Group #workingmother So It happened to me for the first time.. or may be its the 1st time that I decided to acknowledge it and do something about it. Well recently I decided to look for a new job. As a mother on 10 month old I had a few things in mind and was looking for a job which ticked all items on that list. While talking to the consultants I ensured that the employer knows I am a mother and coming back to work after a break of 10 months (that includes my maternity leaves). Finally I got an interview call from Macquarie Group (directly from company HR), during every interview round other than technical questions I was asked how do I plan to manage work and family.. my child. I answered all their questions patiently and did not mind counter questions. We also discussed about WFH facility and I was assured again and again by HR and interviewers that the Company do give facility of WFH (for day or two) on need basis. I cleared all the rounds and was offered a job (on call) but the offer letter was not issued as the signing authority was not available. After a week or so, I got a call from HR that a third director wanted to discuss the role before they share the signed offer letter. I was okay with it so a call was arranged, a female senior employee was on the call and the point that was discussed in depth was whether I will be able to manage the hectic job schedule with a baby in tow.. I believed that we were having a general conversation and replied politely that I have already made all the arrangements.. full time help.. my husband and father will support etc. and if need be I can WFH in case of emergency. Post that call I receive another call from HR (or may be I called him) to inform that the director had concerns and believes that I will not be able to cope with the hectic work environment. At this point I got annoyed and actually more embarrassed. I told him that I am not able to understand the process and refuse to go into any further discussion which he happily accepted and thanked and disconnected my call. This happened 1.5 to 2 months ago. Firstly I felt that unease that how can my capabilities be judged based on the fact that I am a mother. It would have been fine if he had mentioned even at that point that they found a better candidate but no he mentioned specifically that I would not be able to handle the hectic work schedule. Its been weighing on me from past few weeks.. but finally I decided to share the experience. I hope it will make a difference.

Straightforward, but took a very long time to get my background check complete. Waited nearly 2 months. Had a phone interview, then a face-to-face, and finally a psychometric test. Got the offer one week later.