How to Handle Discrimination During an Interview

By Linda Matias

Let’s take a common complaint job seekers have regarding the job search process: “I applied for a position I qualified for and received an interview. When the interviewer saw me, he looked disappointed and the interview lasted only five minutes. Ultimately, I didn’t get the job.”

This scenario can play out for a couple of reasons. The first: you weren’t properly dressed for the interview. For the sake of discussion, let’s assume you did. The second: the interviewer has someone in mind for the position and is simply going through the motions of the interview process. Since you have no control over that type of scenario, let’s assume that’s not the case. And the third: the interviewer expected someone younger, older, prettier, healthy, or what have you. Based on that expectation the interviewer loses interest in your qualifications. For the sake of this article, we’ll settle on the third option as the reason.

What can you do when you are faced with this situation?

When you are on an interview and you feel the interviewer is discriminating against you in one way or another bring up the topic.

Yikes! That’s a scary proposition. Actually say something to the interviewer? That goes against sage advice. And yes, there is truth in that statement. So tread lightly.

Never sound accusatory and say something like, “Are you discriminating against me?” The accusation will get you nowhere. Instead, opt for an honest discussion. Say something like, “I couldn’t help but notice you looked disappointed. Whatever reservations you may have about my candidacy, I would like to point out the reasons I qualify for this position and would be a great asset to your company.” Then spell out those reasons.

This is a tricky situation to address. There are drawbacks, including the fact you may have assessed the situation incorrectly and unknowingly locked yourself from further consideration. But if you truly feel that you are a victim of discrimination, then you have nothing to lose and could possibly gain a job.

Here’s why: most people are good, even some of those discriminating. Chances are the interviewer is unwittingly placing too much value on your outer appearance and doesn’t realize it. When you bring up the topic, in a nonthreatening and matter of fact way, the interviewer may take a step back and examine any preconceived notions he had due to your appearance.

Or maybe not. But at least you have an opportunity to sell yourself than if you simply left the interview without having a chance to talk about your accomplishments. If the interviewer is decent, you opened an opportunity and if the interviewer isn’t then you didn’t lose anything because you weren’t going to get the job anyway.

Linda Matias is a Nationally Certified Resume Writer who heads CareerStrides.com resume service. You can reach her at linda@careerstrides.com to request a resume quote. You can also visit her website at www.careerstrides.com.