Job interview and nationality?

Question

A few months ago I went on a job interview and after a few questions the interviewer wanted to know my nationality. So, I told her where I was from but later someone told me that it is a somewhat discriminatory question... How was I supposed to handle that?!!

The "Where are you from?" question comes up on a daily basis with instructors, salespersons, healthcare providers... you name it. I do not mind telling them but lately it has become a bit repetitive. Yes, I am answering the same question over and over like a broken record!!! Any suggestions please?!!

Answer 1

Discrimination exists in a number of different forms. I have worked in some companies where everyone looks the same (not just race, but like out of the same mold) and other places that are like the United Nations.

People are often just being polite, they are curious and trying to make conversation. It is a good way to start a converstation. Of you are from Slavivatilavia, I always wanted to go there, we even talked about it last year, but went to Disney World instead, because we heard it was much better than Disney Land.

Healthcare providers will ask because it can provide vital information regarding healthcare (for example, childhood exposure to diseases and vacination programs and ethnically related diseases as well as the fact that you may have travelled home recently and contracted a disease that is common there, but not where you live now...this information could save your life).

I know it can be a real bore and after many years people will still ask, even if you have spent more time where you are now than your home country.

Basically there is little that you can do about this, and refusing to answer the question in a job interview will just as likely lose you the job as answering it.

Answer 2

EOE meaning equal opporitunity employer is a law. They cannot discriminate. It should have said that on your job application. The question should be on the application also. That person that asked you what nationality you are was double checking what you may have written on your application. (I wonder if they watch your reaction just to see if your telling the truth) It's almost like you have to bring your proof of citizenship to every interview.


When soomeone asks you where are you from that is usually a good social question, If it is not from a professional.

United Nations and Opec sure have a hold on ground zero.

Answer 3

Years of experience does not constantly get you the job. i've got executed limitless interviews and style of years of experience is merely between the numerous stuff to be seen whilst choosing a ability candidate for a job. you have gotten the desirable suited experience, yet your mindset and character desires to in nice condition with the organization's artwork custom for an worker to somewhat artwork out. i do no longer comprehend the regulations interior the U. S., yet in Canada the only question we are allowed to ask alongside those lines is "Are you legally eligible to artwork in Canada". next time you're asked something like which you're able to easily assume they are attempting to easily confirm you are able to artwork for them legally, so merely respond which you're an American Citizen and smile. If that's what they meant, they are going to be happy with the respond. If it is not what they meant, they could be tripped up sufficient to a minimum of no longer attempt to pry to any extent further. So that is impossible to tell out of your case in case you weren't provided the job because of the fact of discrimination or no longer. in case you probably did attempt to pursue concerns, regrettably it may well be merely your observe against hers meaning you does no longer possibly get far. while you're particular that's what occurred, then with the help of all potential do the desirable suited factor, yet i think of you would be unwise to bounce to any style of conclusions merely on the grounds which you weren't provided a job after one interview. I regularly interview 5 applicants for each place I hire for. some are fairly qualified and that i do no longer doubt might do nicely - merely no longer interior the employer for which i'm hiring.

Answer 4

It's not illegal to ask the question, but it would be illegal to not hire you because of your nationality and for no other reason. For this reason, most employers don't ask these questions. I do agree that the question probably comes up simply out of curiousity and not to discriminate against you. Also, when someone asks, "Where are you from?", they may actually want to know where you last lived (i.e., Chicago, Oregon, etc.), not where your ancestors are from.

Answer 5

tell them that as long as the answer to the question does not prejudice your ability to obtain the job, then your perfectly okay with people who are curious as to where you are from and where your life experience lies, and in fact such experiences can be beneficial to the organisation