24 Jun LGBTQ+ FAQs on Interviewing
We all know that interviews are important. They are not only a way for the employer to find out about you, but also a way for you to discover things about the employer. Though we live in a remarkably tolerant time, discrimination is a real concern (which we have recently viewed in the media), and it can be difficult to choose a tactic for broaching the matter of diversity in the workplace. The fight for LGBTQ+ employment rights has come a long way, thanks to support from the U.S. courts and the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), among others. But we still have a ways to go before every company provides a diverse and welcoming workplace for all, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. So, what does one do and how does one answer interview questions that might be inappropriate or too personal? Here are LGBTQ+ community FAQs on interviewing and Integrated Staffing’s responses and suggestions.
SHOULD I RESEARCH IF A COMPANY IS LGBTQ+ INCLUSIVE?
Yes, you should research if a company is LBGTQ+ inclusive. Try to have a conversation with a trusted source in the target employer’s workplace, where they can have a ‘warts and all’ conversation about the company. You can then make an informed decision if this would be the right workplace for you.
If you would like to know about culture in the company and how it will mesh with your LGBTQ+ status, consider the questions you’d like to ask your interview. This generally come towards the end of the interview process, when you sense the company is close to making you an offer; you want to focus on your expertise and how you’ll benefit to the company in the early stages.
The latter parts, however, should be used to find out if the company is a good fit for you, e.g. by asking questions about diversity in the workplace. If you feel uncomfortable asking the interviewers you meet, you might call the hiring manager and ask to speak to an LGBT employee.
The very nature of asking such a question will give you a clue toward how accepting the company is; someone you want to work for should have no problems with such a request and, indeed, has probably fielded it often.
DO GOOD EMPLOYERS CARE IF YOU ARE LGBTQ+?
Your contributions should be defined by your capabilities, your credentials and your suitability for the role you would be paid to do if you are successful during the interview. Currently, we see companies caring more and more about the diversity amongst the set of people they employ. Good employers are investing time in making their companies inclusive because they recognize that talent comes in all shapes and sizes.
SHOULD I BRING UP LGBTQ+ VOLUNTEER AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES IN MY INTERVIEW?
Bring up any experience that strengthens your application and makes you a more qualified candidate. If you have had multiple roles in your past that showcase the same skills and qualifications as the LGBTQ+ related one, you can leave it out. That said, remember that you only must share what you are comfortable with.
WHAT IF I AM ASKED “ARE YOU MARRIED?”
It is prohibited by law to ask someone their marital status. HR professionals are very well versed in the requirements of the Equality Acts and would know that it is an inappropriate question to ask. However, if it is asked, feel free to share whether or not you are married if you are comfortable doing so. Be aware that the interviewer may then ask you who you are married to or say something along the lines of: “who is the lucky lady” or “what’s his name.” If you do not want to disclose your marital status, you can politely decline to answer the question.
DO I HAVE TO DISCLOSE MY GENDER IDENTITY OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION?
Disclosing your gender identity or sexual orientation is completely optional and 100% your call. If you do decide to disclose this information during an online application process or as part of a questionnaire, it is confidential and not publicly available. If you disclose this information in an interview, this information is not confidential, and the interviewer could tell other employees at the company.
HOW SHOULD I DEAL WITH HOMOPHOBIC COMMENTS IF THEY COME UP AT AN INTERVIEW?
At Integrated Staffing, we are happy to say that in our experience working with thousands of candidates and hundreds of clients, we have never encountered such as a situation. However, that is not to say that it doesn’t exist. If it were to happen, then the first thing is to say is that it is illegal. We suggest immediately and politely end the interview and raise your displeasure via the appropriate channels subsequently.
Integrated Staffing is dedicated to providing a diverse and fair working environment for all individuals. It’s our mission to educate, inform, promote, and recruit for all humanity.