In every job interview, the goal is to obtain important information while building a friendly rapport with the candidate. But some questions are just a little too friendly. Protect yourself and y
"What you can’t ask: What religion do you practice?
You may want to know about religious practices to find out about weekend work schedules, but it’s imperative that you refrain from asking directly about a candidate’s beliefs. Instead, just ask directly when they’re able to work, and there will be no confusion.
What to ask instead: What days are you available to work?"
This question will still get you into trouble. You are asking because you want to know if someone will need additional time off for a religious holiday. Let's face it, this isn't about weekends. Seriously, who goes into an interview for a full-time job and then assumes they will only work two days a week? So if I say I'm available during normal business hours, and you hire me, but then I tell you I am Jewish and need Ramadan off, how would you respond - "you lied to me?" To which I would respond, so you're saying you wouldn't hire me because I'm Jewish and need time off to practice my faith? If an employer is so hard up to meet project deadlines that they can't accommodate this, then there are other issues at hand. Sorry to sound so negative, but this just seems like a way to encourage employers to be slimeballs.
If you tell your employer that you're Jewish and you need time off for Ramadan, they would be justified in believing that you're lying. Ramadan is normally only observed by Muslims.
Comments
hal10001 replied ago:
"What you can’t ask: What religion do you practice?
You may want to know about religious practices to find out about weekend work schedules, but it’s imperative that you refrain from asking directly about a candidate’s beliefs. Instead, just ask directly when they’re able to work, and there will be no confusion.
What to ask instead: What days are you available to work?"
This question will still get you into trouble. You are asking because you want to know if someone will need additional time off for a religious holiday. Let's face it, this isn't about weekends. Seriously, who goes into an interview for a full-time job and then assumes they will only work two days a week? So if I say I'm available during normal business hours, and you hire me, but then I tell you I am Jewish and need Ramadan off, how would you respond - "you lied to me?" To which I would respond, so you're saying you wouldn't hire me because I'm Jewish and need time off to practice my faith? If an employer is so hard up to meet project deadlines that they can't accommodate this, then there are other issues at hand. Sorry to sound so negative, but this just seems like a way to encourage employers to be slimeballs.
dean.jones replied ago:
If you tell your employer that you're Jewish and you need time off for Ramadan, they would be justified in believing that you're lying. Ramadan is normally only observed by Muslims.
whiskeyjack replied ago:
This made me ill that anyone thinks this kind of thing is appropriate.
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