Job interviews can be stressful. Whether they take place over the phone or in person, you’ll want to do whatever you can to make the best impression. It’s likely that you have put careful thought into how you dress yourself and the way that you present your character, but you know that ultimately you’ll need to show that you are the best person for the job.
Therefore, you’ll expect that the questions you’ll be asked in the job interview will be directly related to your competency regarding the job vacancy. However, if the interviewer asks you more personal questions that have no relation to your ability to perform the job itself, you may grow uncomfortable. If you receive questions pertaining to your religion or topics of religion are unnecessarily discussed, you would be wise to consider whether the person interviewing you is engaging in religious discrimination. The following is an overview of the types of religious discrimination that could occur in a job interview.
Comments are made about your religious attire
Many people choose to wear certain garments or symbols as part of their outfit that are related to their religion. Jewelry, turbans or robes may be worn that denote specific beliefs. If your interviewer asks you about these choices of dress or tells you that they would not be permitted in your workplace, this may be an instance of religious discrimination.
You are asked about whether you follow a certain religion
Discussions about religion are not appropriate in a job interview unless the role has a direct link to a religious organization. If you are asked about what religion you follow or if the job interviewer makes assumptions about your religion based on your perceived ethnicity, this is an example of religious discrimination.
The interviewer speaks of their own religion or the religion of those in the organization
If the interviewer talks about their religion or the religion of others in the organization, they may be making the suggestion that only those of a certain religion are employed here.
If you felt that hiring decisions were being made based on what religion you follow or do not follow, you may be able to gain damages by filing a religious discrimination claim against the employer that was interviewing you.
