I have been to many interviews in the last few months, and every time I get asked "So, do you have a family," the interviewers attitude immediately changes. I have even been told by a few people straight up that having a family is going to be a problem. What gives! I don't want to lie about it, but I feel like I should, just to get a damn job!
Why is having a family such a big deal?
- Thread starter mshunter
- Start date
Pépé le Pilot
Well-Known Member
Stop complaining, we have to go through a polygraph test here in Colombia. Talk about a shame.
I'm not in cloumbia, so I don't care what you have to say. Besides, you have a job, I don't. And a family shouldn't be a barrier. If you have nothing to add to the conversation, the find your way out of the thread.
dasleben
That's just, like, your opinion, man
Well, this isn't an official source, but see the last item on the list:
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/illegalinterv.htm
Pretty ridiculous to ask that!
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/interviewsnetworking/a/illegalinterv.htm
Pretty ridiculous to ask that!
Autothrust Blue
“If you jump on my shift, that’s just rude, man.”
Ah yes, but you see, different jurisdictions have different laws...I know, I was surprised too.
staledog
Well-Known Member
If they don't want to give you the job because you have a family, it's probably not a place you want to be working for anyway. None of the jobs I've had cared if I had a family and they've all treated me great.
You cannot be discriminated against for marital/parental status. But as most of us know, employers in certain fields do just that.
The "do you have a family" question does often come up, and is phrased as small talk in a way to not flat out ask if you are married, have children, or plan on having children.
I have been asked that question once, and in response spoke of my mother, father, and siblings. Clearly not the response that was expected, but was not a lie.
The look on the interviewer's face was priceless, as he knew he couldn't rephrase the question more specifically.
By the way, I did get the job.
The "do you have a family" question does often come up, and is phrased as small talk in a way to not flat out ask if you are married, have children, or plan on having children.
I have been asked that question once, and in response spoke of my mother, father, and siblings. Clearly not the response that was expected, but was not a lie.
The look on the interviewer's face was priceless, as he knew he couldn't rephrase the question more specifically.
By the way, I did get the job.
elmetal
Ain't nobody got time for that
A bullpooper that isn't ready to be hit back with bull is often clueless how to react. Very nice job playing his game and showing him you're better than him at it.
I don't have a family of my own but if I were asked that question I would be furious because I know why they are asking.
Pépé le Pilot
Well-Known Member
I suggest you take a chill pill with a glass of scotch, I think I have sided you more than once to deserve this, furthermore my reply was like hey, there's always worse elsewhere.
WacoFan
Bigly
I suggest you take a chill pill with a glass of scotch, I think I have sided you more than once to deserve this, furthermore my reply was like hey, there's always worse elsewhere.
I was surprised as well after you did your best to buck him up in the previous thread. Kind of blasted you for not a bad comment in my view.
X-Forces
Big Black Guy
Where are you applying?
SpiceWeasel
Tre Kronor
Why should a business not be allowed to ask certain questions to ascertain whether one would be a good hire? Free market, capitalism! What's good for the goose...
dasleben
That's just, like, your opinion, man
Really? I don't think discrimination is part of laissez-faire capitalism.
poser765
Well-Known Member
"So, just one last question. You're not a homosexual are you? We really feel that the best candidate for the job would be a heterosexual."
OK kind of an extreme example, but that's really kind of a slippery slope. If you tell me what the work conditions are like then it is MY job to know whether my family life can handle it. If it can't I don't take the job. I would rather people not assume what my home life is going to do to my work life.
i agree... i don't think asking if you are married, have kids or what not IS legal.
Plus, i would think in that scenario that i would have a job by now since i don't have kids to take to school etc.
just sayin'....
HRDiva
Well-Known Member
In some states and jurisdictions it is not legal. On the federal level asking if you are married or kids is not illegal On the federal level it gets at Caregiver discrimination on which the EEOC has issued guidelines.
I would not answer that question in anyway that jeopardizes your chances since they have no right to ask it.
Thank you for giving another example of a stupid employment practice to use in my teaching!
I would not answer that question in anyway that jeopardizes your chances since they have no right to ask it.
Thank you for giving another example of a stupid employment practice to use in my teaching!
Because I shouldn't not be offered a job because I have a son. Explain to me how that might make me a bad employee. I can give a number of reasons why it makes me a better employee than someone who has no children. #1 being that I have a reason to be responsible and not cause trouble as to set a good example for my son.