A baby at a job interview? This hiring story is going viral, and the reason is surprising

In today’s fast changing work culture, stories that feel real often travel faster than formal debates. One such hiring moment has recently caught attention on social media, not because it was dramatic, but because it felt honest.

It touched on something many professionals quietly worry about how personal life is judged at work. The story has opened up a wider conversation about trust, capability, and what professionalism really looks like in real situations.

A late night message that set the tone

Career counsellor Simon Ingari shared that he received a message at 11 pm from a job candidate. She had an interview scheduled the next day at 2 pm. Due to a sudden problem, her childcare support was no longer available.

In her message, she explained the situation calmly and respectfully. She asked if she could attend the interview with her 8-month-old baby. She also made it clear that she would understand if the interview needed to be postponed.Looking back, Ingari admitted that earlier in his career, he might have seen this request as unprofessional. This time, he chose a different approach and replied, “Absolutely. See you tomorrow.”

What happened during the interview

The next day, the candidate arrived with her baby and sat down with the child on her lap. Before the interview began, she apologised several times.As the discussion continued, the baby started crying. The candidate stayed focused and tried to manage both the interview and her child at the same time.Ingari described the moment in his post, “She brought her baby in her lap. She apologised three times before sitting down.

Ten minutes later, the baby started crying. She tried to calm the baby while answering questions.”At that point, the interviewer paused and explained what was happening. The role required staying calm, thinking clearly under pressure, and handling unexpected situations. Managing a crying baby while answering complex questions showed exactly those skills.

A hiring choice that proved right

The interview went on without judgement or discomfort. The focus stayed on the candidate’s abilities and approach to work.Over time, the decision spoke for itself. “She's been with us for a year now and is one of our most trusted team members,” the post said.Sharing his broader thoughts, Ingari highlighted how working parents often bring strong skills to the workplace. “Working parents, especially mothers, are the most organised, efficient, and flexible people you'll ever hire.”He also added that people who can handle a crying baby at 3 am and still show up for work the next day are usually well prepared for workplace stress.

How social media responded

The post quickly gained attention online, with many users sharing emotional responses.One user commented, “Children also change the importance of your job to you. It supports your family, the most precious thing on earth, so you will take care to do it very well.”Another user wrote, “This almost brought me to tears... how refreshing it is.”A third user summed it up simply, “Parenting is the ultimate resilience test. Nailed it.”Disclaimer: This story is based on a viral social media post. The Times of India has not independently verified the details shared.Thumb image: Canva