How to Handle Discrimination Tactfully During the Interview Process?

It is not easy to prove that you have been discriminated against during the interview process, but there are things you can do to address the situation and uphold your rights.
On the job discrimination is more common than you might think, and you need to know how to handle discrimination when, not if, it becomes an issue in your workplace. This is a lot easier if you already have a job, but what if you feel that you are being discriminated during the interview process? It's hard to prove that you've been discriminated against during the hiring process, but there are things you can do to address the situation.

The best way to prove discrimination is with a document or some other sort of documental proof. Evidence of a line of questioning or comments made during the interview can prove that you were discriminated against for a specific reason. Documented evidence is bes but it can be hard to get since most interviews are performed orally.

The first thing you should do is speak to the interviewer that discriminated against you. If this doesn't work, talk to someone who is a position above the person who interviewed you. You may even have to take your complaint all the way to the top. Ask for an investigation into your situation. Most companies have processes in place that outline exactly how to handle discrimination during the hiring process.

Just because companies have policies against discrimination doesn't mean that they enforce them. In some instances, discrimination is firmly entrenched in the company. If this is the case, you may need to contact an attorney. There are numerous attorneys that practice discrimination law. They will be able to tell you what your options are and point you in the direction that you should go.

Be sure to do your homework. Talk to other applicants and employees to see if they have been treated similarly. If you can gather numerous witnesses, you will increase your odds of winning your case in a court of law. Again, an attorney can help you with this.

There are numerous reasons why people are discriminated against and you need to know how to handle discrimination when it arises. Discrimination against race, gender, religion, age and sexual orientation are among the most common. Remember; discrimination can come in many forms such as refusing to hire, unlawful termination, promotion avoidance and so on. Discrimination can be hard to prove, but proving these cases is vital when it comes to upholding employee rights.
   By CK Tan
Published: 7/22/2008
 
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