Unethical Or Unprofessional Interview Question- I Am Shocked

Hey Jayshree,
How can you bring a law like that. Even if you do bring a law you are not thinking from an employers perspective. Ok answer this. You screen a lot of people and then hire a candidate. You train her. You groom her according to your companys needs. When finally its time to expect results from that employee, He/she walks upto you with a leave application. Now I would like to know what happens if the candidate does not return. Also the maternity leave (or study leave which can be from a month to 3 months) affects the performance of that particular function.
All I am trying to say is that let us not look at only one aspect of the story.

I agree with Jayashree, and to add with, she should have been explained the candidate, why she is asking the question.
Ravinder

Yes, I agree the HR-should have asked the question using proper words.
By the way one should also appreciate the HR Lady having come with that question. I have experienced this in my previous employment - for not asking this question to the Lady in my dept, after imparting the necessary knowledge and skills, she had to go on leave. I was helpless and also could not stop it.
Putting forth this question cannot become unethical. What can become unethical is, "The HR lady did not compel to you join and also not to have any kids". May be you can pardon her for not using appropriate words.
Leave it at that, instead of carrying it in your mind for days & months.
Regards
TRLakshmi Narayanan

gone through the comments
i think so that the interviewer was less tactful . Its better for both the parties to be clear in their demands right in the beginning and set right expectations. Its in fact good that the interviewer was open in job requirement , as you can guess that company may not be female- friendly . So nothing to feel bad , take it as a wrong note on which interviewer started.

what is so unethical about it? It is a straight proffessional question. As a HR person she was just seeing the organizational goal. People plz grow up.

Hi Prashanth,
I really loved your comment... "People grow up". Its high time we have grown up people.
jayashree

Rose, I suppose that you need to look at these things from a less sensitive viewpoint.
Work places are high-pressure pots and are deadline driven, especially the BPO/KPO/IT sectors. Many people do not believe in beating around the bush and come straight to the point. You need not be sensitive about such things. You cannot question the interviewer's right to ask questions that might affect the work-and a 3 to 6 month leave span definitely affects the work schedules.
I agree that the interviewer could have done this more tactfully. though.
Naresh

There is nothing unethical about it. The question has to be put in the right perspective. Even putting the right question and all these precautions, I had seen female employees after enjoying the maternity benefits from the company come and give the resignation letter, within 1month of joining.
Sivakumar

Hi,
There is no doubt about that it was ourly unethical. I think she has not a good interviewer.. She has to know and follow the leagal aspects like metenity act and other things.
Pls don't take such type of offers.
Regards
VENKAT
HR MANAGER

hello rose
the question asked to u was 'really unethically'......
no where in the world nobody ask unlawful questions
"may be the company wants only bachelors who can work during shifts"
so please do avoid to such offers....
from
praveen kumar