4 questions working mums should ask interviewers

Ready for a shocking statistic? A whopping 62% of women in the Philippines say it's the lack of flexibility at the workplace that leads them to quit jobs after childbirth – which means that companies in the Philippines need to step up their game when it comes to attracting and retaining working mothers. This finding is according to the #SheMakesItWork survey by Monster.com in the Philippines, which highlights the difficulties faced by Filipina mothers returning to work after maternity leave. If you're a working mom looking for a new career opportunity, here is a set of the questions you should ask to determine whether they are a good fit.

Question 1: What's the percentage of women in the company's workforce?

A balanced gender ratio and the presence of women in C-suite positions often indicates a company's progressiveness, so if the answer you receive is unbalanced, don't hesitate to ask your interviewer about the lack of female executives in the company. Hopefully, they will be looking to promote and retain more women in leadership positions and will be happy to chat with you about their plans. But if they aren't, then that's a clear sign that perhaps this is not the role for you.

Question 2: Is there is a disparity in the salary levels of men and women?

A large female workforce is a good first sign, but it doesn't make up for them being paid less than their male peers for doing the same amount of work. As discovered by the #SheMakesItWork survey, 12% of Filipina women said they do not receive remuneration on par with their male colleagues for the same role. Additionally, 34% stated their companies did not offer adequate career advancement. Keeping these figures in mind, be sure to check if your future employer is providing women with equal financial and promotion opportunities.

Monster.com interviewed three women at different stages of motherhood, who shared their struggles and gave advice on how to manage a balance. Watch the video below:

Question 3: How many mothers are there in the company?

A company with a high number of mothers is likely to have family-friendly policies and be supportive of mothers in general. This is also the moment you should inquire about flexible working hours and adjusted workloads. Figures from the #SheMakesItWork survey revealed that the Philippines has a long way to go when it comes to supporting working mums, as 62% of women who left their jobs admitted it was due to inflexible corporate policies, while another 56% left because of subpar childcare support. If there's a lack of mothers in a company, you'll know that it's likely the company is not particularly understanding of parenthood’s demands.

Question 4: What percentage of the executive board consists of parents?

The representation of parents on a board of directors is a significant win for all employees, as it helps to ensure that policies favoring aspiring and existing families will be enforced throughout the company. According to the survey’s findings, such companies are a minority in the Philippines, as only 27% stated they had flexible schedules, while 5% reported they had childcare centres at work. If you are apprehensive about not receiving quality childcare and maternity support from your current employer, a company with parents helming major executive positions is bound to be more supportive of your needs.