I know it is illegal for them to ask me that, but would it be to my advantage to tell them without being asked? Maybe say something like," Seeing as I am single and childless I would have no problem working overtime" Or could it backfire on me somehow? Or should I wait to mention it after an offer, when negotiating salary?
2007-08-22 05:01:17 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
I would not mention it, stick to your qualifications. Sounds too personal. You can say you have no problem with overtime, I work with lots of moms who are happy to work overtime.
2007-08-22 05:09:55 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I usually try to sneak it in somehow very casually. Like yesterday I was at an interview (I just graduated college) and the interviewer was telling me the hours and how some people opt for the later times b/c they have child obligations, I made it be known subtly that I don't have any kids or home obligations. I said, "I can come to work anytime". It is definitely an advantage as where I used to work, and I know this is horrible, they used to try to hire as many people without kids that they could. Usually people in interviews who have kids volutarily put that information out there as was the case at the place I worked at (I was not in charge of the hiring there).
You could mention that you are up for any overtime and that will probably give you the same advantage.
Good luck to you.
2007-08-24 14:13:22 · answer #2 · answered by dizzykylie 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's good that you want to work - so many people are unwilling to be enthusiastic about their work.
However - Unless the job description requires being single and child-free, your personal life is not any of their concern. Keep it that way.
You can say things like, I have a flexible schedule and can work any shift, or I can relocate easily. But that's about it. They don't need or want to know why you can relocate - just that you CAN relocate.
As for negotiating a salary - No. Sometimes - and I've seen this - people with children etc. get preferential treatment over their single counterparts. Watch out for that.
2007-08-22 12:25:48 · answer #3 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It could backfire on you. While you may think that being single and childless is a plus, your employer may see it as that you have no stability, no real reason to stay at the job. They may see a person that is married with children as someone who really HAS to work because other people are counting on them so they are more likely to do whatever is asked. While as a single person, it's just you so you're more likely to jump ship sooner.
Plus, if you have no kids now, that's no guarentee that you won't in the future. They may see that as a potential for you to eventually be out on maternity leave. Where someone who has already had kids is less likely to be out on leave.
Keep your marital and reproductive information to yourself. It has no place in a professional discussion.
2007-08-22 12:25:20 · answer #4 · answered by teacherintheroom 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I don't think telling them that you are single and child free is necessary. They probably already know this. They can see your wedding ring finger. The ring's missing.
Whatever your status is, it will come out after you are hired. But to answer your question, no. Don't voluntarily tell a poential employer you are single and child free. It won't help. I don't think they care whether or not you are.
2007-08-25 14:40:09 · answer #5 · answered by Anna 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is illegal to ask applicant questions concerning marital status w/o justifiable reasons related to job performance...and the way the some courts are going, it may be illegal to ask about parental/family status.
To circumvent law and still receive same info legally....
--Many employers just ask the simple question "tell me about yourself." Mothers tend to usually mentions her kids.
--Employers may ask "What do you do in your free time or for fun [get you relaxed, comfortable] Why? people usually discuss religious/ethnic group affiliations (something that cannot be asked legally); and naturally give much info concerning how busy they are...i.e. things that may provide info regarding their current obligations and availability
Why would you want to anyway? You're setting yourself up for the potential employer to use info as (unproveable, possibly discriminatory) reason not to hire you...
Look at an interview like fishing...providing just enough info to want to know more about you/hire you i.e. to 'hook' the position, but not too much that s/he receives all info s/he wants and just leaves....while you're believing the interest is still there.
2007-08-22 13:16:13 · answer #6 · answered by AILENE 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Believe it or not, most interviewers don't realize that they cannot ask these questions. For that, be careful how you word it because it could be misconstrued as flirtation. A simple mention that you are eager to work overtime should be enough to get the point across.
2007-08-22 14:36:23 · answer #7 · answered by hyperhealer3 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No need to mention anything about your personal life. It is only necessary for the potential employer to know why you would be best qualified for the position.
2007-08-22 12:26:03 · answer #8 · answered by FreeHgzz 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most of the personel managers i know would rather hire married parents because they need the job and the insurance. they won't quit or quibble over overtime or any other small inconvenience. single, childless people are less likely to be dependable because they don't have anyone depending on them. so it would probably hurt you rather than help you.
2007-08-22 17:40:32 · answer #9 · answered by funky_francine45 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think it's a good idea to mention it, because it lets them know you can commit yourself more fully to the job.
Maybe say it like this: "I am unencumbered by family obligations, so I can be available as much as you need me."
2007-08-22 12:30:17 · answer #10 · answered by Nancy J 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋