Interview.....

cp33c

So yesterday I went to an interview for a permanent role at a very large Global company (their words). I was asked a question during the interview which at the time didn't seem too harsh, however my wife has said that its discrimination and that they shouldn't ask it. If it is discrimination I don't plan to do anything about it, just put it down to experience and move on, however before the question was asked I thought the interview was going very well so I'm slightly confused as to why what happened next, happened if that makes sense.

Anyway, during the interview I had at some point mentioned that my wife is working and we have kids. At the end of the interview I was asked about childcare, something along the lines of 'if you are working and your wife is working, are you going to have problems with childcare?' At the time I answered the question and said that we have childcare arranged and it won't be a problem. It happened to be the last question of the interview, one that I thought went quite well, then I had to complete a test. Thankfully I'm a fast writer as they cut the time to complete from 30 minutes down to 20 minutes and then one of them (there had been 2)ushered me out the door as quick as they could without even looking at the questionnaire they'd asked me to fill in. I was trying to ask questions whilst walking the person started playing down the company from the Global company they mentioned at the beginning to 'just builders'.

Further to this when I got there they tried to tell me how they want me to come to work, ie not by public transport as it can cause delays........

Anyway I'm just after some advice as it didn't seem very professional

Firefox1975

That isn't discrimination. Not sure why you would think it was!

cp33c

Firefox1975 wrote: »

That isn't discrimination. Not sure why you would think it was!

As I mentioned I didn't even think about it, my wife mentioned it to me as she carries out lots of interviews.

I know there are a few things that you are not allowed to ask ie, age, sexual orientation, marriage, etc.

It just seems a strange question to ask about how I manage my kids and if I wasn't offered the job because of childcare reasons, surely it has nothing to do them. As long as I get to work on time and do my job?

Acc72

cp33c wrote: »

Anyway I'm just after some advice as it didn't seem very professional

Why do you need advice ? / what do you hope to achieve ?

Have you been offered the job ? / Do you still want the job ?

notanewuser

I'm struggling to imagine an interview question that would prompt you to mention your wife and children.

The question is not discriminatory. Sounds like wifey could do with some training.

DCFC79

Whats wrong with the question about childcare ?Maybe the firm has had problems with employees and childcare. You answered it wouldnt be a problem.

cp33c

Ok then there is no problem. It just sounded a bit strange as I have been to many interviews in my life and have interviewed people before and never been asked that question/never wanted to ask the question.

Thanks for all you advice.

cmw1212

Interesting that people are saying it is not discriminatory yet a google on illegal interview questions flags up "What are your childcare arrangements?"

notanewuser

cmw1212 wrote: »

Interesting that people are saying it is not discriminatory yet a google on illegal interview questions flags up "What are your childcare arrangements?"

Long as they ask male and female parents then it's not discriminatory.

If they don't know the candidate is a parent, then they can't be expected to ask.

miduck

cmw1212 wrote: »

Interesting that people are saying it is not discriminatory yet a google on illegal interview questions flags up "What are your childcare arrangements?"

It is certainly not "illegal". As long as the questions are asked of all candidates, and then the decision is not made in a discriminatory manner, there is no reason why the question should not be asked.

As an example, I have a mental health condition, and at an interview was asked "We deal with some very upsetting and sensitive issues, such as child abuse, how would you feel dealing with this?". I had no problem with this question as I knew all applicants were asked that question. In fact I welcomed the question to dispel any concerns that the organisation may have about me.

Daedalus

miduck wrote: »

It is certainly not "illegal". As long as the questions are asked of all candidates, and then the decision is not made in a discriminatory manner, there is no reason why the question should not be asked.

'Are you a muslim?'

I asked every candidate...

I am not saying it is a discriminatory question, but to claim it isn't just because they asked everyone is absurd.

Parent with young children tend to be viewed as a negative by employers.

Why ask that specific question if it is not to be used in the decision making process?