How to Handle Discrimination in a Job Interview

Do not be bowled over by unfair treatment in a job interview. Ready yourself appropriately to avoid potential discrimination by being highly qualified and professional. Learn how to respond to illegal hiring practices with research.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Patience

Instructions

Ready Yourself for Winning

1. Make sure to apply for jobs that suit your expertise or experience. Your qualifications should secure you a position that requires them, if you're the best candidate. Research the company to understand how you may fit.

2. Handle yourself in the interview as objectively as possible. Make your background and abilities the core component of your interview. Present yourself as the ideal employee.

3. Spend a couple hours before the interview preparing your mind for the task at hand. Choose neutral, work appropriate clothing. Try not to expect discrimination, but visualize a fair job interview for success.

Interview Successfully

1. Present a qualified image of yourself to your interviewer or committee. Speak knowledgeably, cordially and enthusiastically about the potential employment. By being fully prepared beforehand, you'll better handle any potential instance of unfair discrimination.

2. Interpretation of discrimination is something to work through slowly. Try to see the potential from all angles. Ask yourself if you're interviewing for a job you truly desire. Is it worth your energy?

3. Analyze all that takes place in the interview with an eye for equitable treatment. You probably don't want to work for unfair employers.

Weigh Your Options

1. Ask yourself how deeply the discrimination you've encountered affects you. Is it worth your time to pursue litigation, let alone your money? Educate yourself further through the experience of others.

2. Visit relevant Web sites, such as the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, to glean useful information relative to your concern (see Resources below). Learn how others handle discrimination in a job interview. Decide if you'd simply like to continue applying to other, friendlier organizations.

3. Study available options for recourse online and with personal associates who are informed. Beware that discussing your predicament with legal counsel can be expensive, but within your rights.

Tips & Warnings

• Learn the laws.

• Try to let your qualifications lead the way. Find out how others handle discrimination in inteviews through online research.

• Learn more about your rights while perusing available jobs, through the use of an online job service.

• If you're treated unfairly, don't dwell on a position you probably don't want.

• Protect your rights with knowledge, not violence.

• When qualifications are ignored in the face of your gender or perceived sexual orientation, consider ending the interview.