Racial discrimination in interviews can manifest in various ways. If you experience racial discrimination during an interview, you may be able to file a claim against that potential employer for discrimination. There are both Federal and state laws that protect workers from discrimination both at work and during the hiring process.
What is Racial Discrimination
Racial discrimination involves treating someone unfavorably because of their race, skin color, ancestry, national origin, or ethnic background. Racial discrimination can be direct or indirect. Often, it’s indirect and is expressed in condescending statements, unequal treatment, workplace policies, or other behaviors that aren’t obvious.
There are numerous laws that prohibit racial discrimination in the hiring process and in the workplace like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Title VII specifically says that employers cannot discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
Common Forms of Racial Discrimination in Interviews
How can you tell if you were the victim of racial discrimination in an interview? The most common forms of racial discrimination in employment interviews are:
- Biased Interview Questions: asking about an applicant's race, ethnicity, cultural background
- Stereotyping and Assumptions: making assumptions about an applicant’s race, work ethic, and personality based on rates
- Unequal Treatment: Different races are treated differently during the interview process. For example, people of a certain race might have longer wait times, harder interview questions, and so on.
- Subtle Discrimination: Microaggressions or coded language
Proving Racial Discrimination
Proving racial discrimination in an interview can be difficult. First, you have to know the signs of racial discrimination in interviews and recognize them. Then you should gather as much evidence as possible like:
- Witness statements
- Records of interview questions
- Video or audio recordings of the interview
- Notes
- Statistical data on hiring at that particular company.
Legal Recourse
If you were the victim of discrimination in an employment interview you should find an employment lawyer, then build your case, and finally file a complaint against that business with the EEOC.
Importance of Legal Guidance
Working with an employment lawyer is essential if you are filing a claim because of a discriminatory interview. It can be tough to prove that you were a victim of discrimination. An employment lawyer is a valuable resource that can help you navigate the complaint process. An employment lawyer can help you understand how the process works, know what to expect, and guide you through the process of filing out a complaint. They can also:
- Help gather evidence and build your case
- Create a legal strategy tailored to your case
- Make sure you meet all deadlines and comply with all court rules
- Negotiate on your behalf
If you think that you were discriminated against during the interview process you should speak with an employment attorney about the specifics of your interview. You can speak with an employment attorney now for free. Fill out the Free Case Evaluation to get connected with an independent attorney who subscribes to the website and may be able to help you with your case.
