When a Job Interview Seems Like an Interrogation
Job interviews are inherently stressful. When you’re trying to present a positive image of yourself as a worker, it can be difficult to know how to respond to your interviewer’s questions. Your interviewer is usually a stranger, and you may not know what questions to expect. As stressful as that is, sometimes interviewers ask questions that are uncomfortable or discriminatory. Even though it’s illegal to ask questions like those, many interviewees do not know what to do.
To ensure equality in the hiring process, labor laws make it illegal for employers to base their hiring decisions on factors unrelated to the applicant’s ability to do the job. The personal traits explicitly protected from discrimination by the law are known as “protected categories.” The list varies from state to state, but in general these include things like ethnic background, relationship status, and religion. They also apply equally for everyone from all groups.
If you are asked a question about your background during an interview, you are not obligated to answer. It may be difficult to politely decline to answer, fearing that it may seem rude to object, but even simply changing the subject can keep problems from arising. If your interviewer keeps returning to the point, however, you can politely tell them that their question is too personal.
The State of Texas takes anti-discrimination laws very seriously. Any employer that refuses to hire applicants because of protected attributes can be taken to court and face serious penalties for their unfair hiring practices. It is in the best interests of employers to avoid asking personal questions altogether, even as part of smalltalk. By avoiding those questions, interviewers can prevent problems from both sides.
If you believe you have been denied a job because of your religion, race, gender, or any other protected characteristic, you are entitled to take that employer to court. With the help of an experienced Texas employment lawyer, you can put an end to discrimination and seek compensation for your losses.
To discuss your case with a compassionate Houston employment lawyer, contact the lawyers of the Ross Law Group today to learn how they can help you.
Joseph Devine
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