Discrimination in the workplace can happen from the very beginning, during hiring. Cases of job applicants being treated unfavorably have been reported. However, some go unreported because an applicant can be unsure if their experience qualifies as discrimination or if it’s just the hiring process of a company.
A few signs can help you know if you were discriminated against by an employer. These include:
Discriminative job ads
Some job advertisements are discriminatory. They use language that discourages applicants of a particular race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status or age from applying. Statements like “recent college grads,” “young and vibrant,” “digital native,” and “seeking a male candidate” are discriminatory.
In some cases, the discrimination can be indirect. For example, stating that applicants must have a driver’s license when there isn’t a genuine, justifiable reason for the requirement can be an indirect way to prevent people with certain disabilities from applying.
Improperly administered tests
Some assessments used during hiring are biased. A poorly designed test can disproportionately screen out job applicants who belong to particular groups.
For instance, a cognitive ability test may have cultural or linguistic biases. Besides, some tests used during hiring measure traits or skills that are not essential to the job. This mostly happens when an employer uses off-the-shelf tests instead of developing customized ones tailored to a specific role.
Strength tests are also highly likely to lead to an unbiased result. Typically, qualified women and older applicants are screened out substantially when a strength test is improperly administered.
Refusing accommodations
An employer who refuses to provide requested accommodations for candidates with disabilities during hiring may be considered to have discriminated against them.
Discrimination during hiring can negatively impact an applicant’s career. If you believe an employer treated you unfavorably, understanding the situation in-depth can help you fight for your rights.