During a job interview today I was asked if I have or want children, is it legal?

Brianna

You have the legal right to state that you are unsure what this has to do with your job skills and chose to not answer it.

Yahoo: GRUNT

Their trying to work out how long you be with them before your off having kids. I don't think that questions legal anymore

smprfiwife

Nope it's not. Look up EEO and report the person who asked you.

Terry

No, that is against the law. You can complain to your local city or state Labor Dept.

I would also let the HR dept at the company know you were asked - the interviewer may be genuinely unaware that this is illegal.

jakflak

Yes, that is illegal.

Anna P

Yes, it is illegal if it is used to deny you when you are otherwise qualified. If you don't get a follow-up interview, contact the state department of labor.

The Irish Rover

Hi, yes this illegal. Many companies, however, even in this day and age, will discriminate against you if you have or want children. My friend has an 18 month old daughter and is finding it very difficult to get a job, because of this kind of silliness.

lucy lou

I think the asked that knowing very well it's illegal but I think you should call them on the carpet for it

dinodino

How old are you? Illegal

Do you have children? Illegal

Do you plan to have? Illegal

See link for how to answer these questions

http://www.careerlinkbc.com/interview04.html

buggerlugs

yes its illegal and none of their business

Bardic

You seem to have had a lot of answers from the US and Canada. I have a feeling you're in the UK. Whether or not it is "illegal" it is common sense for an interviewer to ask those questions. He/she needs to know he is employing someone whose work he can rely on for a long time. Or he may consider employing you but in a specific position where it makes little difference.

I'm personally aware of one employer who will not employ anyone under 30 and if employing ladies prefers them to have families - because he considers them to be more "grown-up" and experienced and to relate better to customers.

You don't have to answer any questions you don't want to in an interview, but be aware you run a risk of being labelled "uncooperative". You need to be open and honest, don't forget the job is in the employer's gift, it is not a right.

Gardener for God(dmd)

All three qestions are illegal and you should report it to the labor Board. Get an attorney

awsome gal 255

Its personal. You shouldn't want to work there if that's the type of questions they ask.

Fred C

Yes, and no. If the question on children was part of the interview process, and a factor in the hiring decision, it may or may not be illegal depending on your state or province, but, at the least it is unethical. It is, in fact, illegal in many places.
There is nothing wrong with asking your age.

show_em_your_badge

My mother was asked at a job interview with IBM which would come first her children or her job. She told the manager interviewing her that she would be an idiot if she told him her job came before her children. My mother didnt get the job, she called the head quarters of IBM and told of the question, needless to say she was offered the job a week later.

diva102288

Yes it is illegal.... Did you ask them why they wanted to know that.. And what answer did you give when you were asked it.. What was their response to your answer? I need more info before I can give a good answer

mischievous

Some as soon as they are pregnant land a job to secure maternity paid leave. I don't blame employers for being careful. It's another vote catching piece of legislation introduced, someone else will pay for your absence from work.
Anyone who has tried to run a production line or office flow system knows that regular attendance is absolutely necessary. This is another reason why manufacturing and call centres have been lost to Asia.

joesgirl_mllm

or could be if the hrs provided like any time or less hs if had a little kid. or what postion to put persn in

Open your eyes

I am 32 and not looking for a job because if you do manage to get one next year you will be laid off. Pointless. A lot of people in the west today haven't got a clue what is happening in the world. He or she asked you if you want or have children because they want to know if you are going to add to the population of useless eaters and if so they do not want to carry on putting money into the hands of these people. They actually want a lot of people to die. It's a fact that you will probably find out about very soon. No fear.

robbie

I dont blame the employer for asking you, if you got pregnant he/she would have to pay you still, you dont get thisproblem with a man this is probably why women earn less than men, also women claim discrimination, and get a huge settlement

john

It's probably illegal. But I wouldn't report it or get a lawyer. I think your focus is on getting a job not trying to police their HR.

Just answer that you don't plan on having children.

I think this is one of the misguided law changes. Some jobs require a very long term commitment. And companies rightfully so ask questions to determine/guess who will be looking for a short term position and who will commit long-term.

Patricia C

Sure it's legal. Someone suggested you could say you prefer not to answer. However, if you did that you would be saying goodbye to the job.

Marcus

Report them and get on with the job hunt this little faux pas is not going to net you a dime. As a former employer I throughly understand the question. I get you trained and then you turn up preggers and then it just goes down hill from there. When I was looking I was looking for a long time employee and not someone who got pregnant and every sniffle or snotty nose a kid got the person disappear for weeks on me.

But alas it is inappropriate. so I simply did NOT ask the question and hired men or later in life women.

Added to answer sweetie with all the art work below me. The employer has a job that needs to be done and when you have to run with your children constantly to the doctors and this that and the other then others are doing YOUR job not you and the employer does not need you.

Anne

Not sure the actual legality of it, but it sounds fair to me. If you're planning on having children, that will make you less dedicated to your job, and maybe quit sooner than you planned. They probably want someone who will be there long term.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: