Facing Job Interview Bias as a Newly Married Woman: How Do You Cope with Unfair Questions?

I am asking this question because I myself have faced that. It's not that I do not have good qualifications or experience. I have both, with my profile loaded with several awards given by the previous employer for good performance.

In my job interviews, I have been asked questions about pregnancy, family planning, illnesses, etc., by the interviewer. In one interview, I was asked to get a medical certificate from the doctor as well.

At times, I do not understand what went wrong. They had the vacancy, my profile suits the role exactly, and the interview went well. Still, no outcome... that's frustrating for good talent. Now, I have started thinking, would I ever be able to continue my professional life, or has it ended already?

Keep looking out for professional organizations. If one has talent, there is no stopping! In fact, many progressive organizations encourage gender diversity by reserving some positions for females only. However, it is sad to know that such discrimination is mostly done by HR fraternity members in the majority of cases. Take care and don't lose hope.

Regards,
Dixon
Pune

It is unfortunate that you are going through a series of bad experiences. It appears that these are all unprofessional companies. Keep on trying. Neither should you get discouraged nor despondent. May you be destined to get a better job; hence, so far, you have received negative replies. There is a dearth of good candidates in the job market.

SWOT Analysis and Self-Assessment

By the way, have you done a SWOT analysis of yourself? Is it possible that wherever you attended the interview, employers might have found some weaknesses and started asking these unwanted questions? If there were some overriding strengths, they would have selected you right away without bothering much about your family issues. I recommend you check the appropriateness of your CV, your communication skills, job knowledge, etc.

All the best!

Regards,
Dinesh V Divekar

Decades have passed, but women are still at a disadvantage compared to men in some aspects, and this discrimination is either done consciously or unconsciously. It takes different forms of processes, especially when it involves a female who is married.

Employers pose such bigoted questions that are prejudiced against women, leading to gender stereotypes where women are devalued, making them feel paradoxical.

Questions Exhibiting Gender Discrimination

Questions that exhibit gender discrimination include starting a family, pregnancy, childcare, leaving work early, and taking care of older family members. There is no respite for females as they have numerous responsibilities to take care of their families. Working for a family is perceived in the same light.

The solution is simple: respond to interviewers honestly about your willingness to work despite being married. Assert that your family is supportive, and your marriage has not hindered your commitment to work. Acknowledge their questions and respond positively.

Companies that do not overlook such gender bias will truly embody the values of an Equal Opportunity Employer. Despite progress, women still encounter similar challenges from a few employers.

Please let me know if you need any further assistance.