Applying for a job and going in for an interview can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking time for Florida applicants. As they anticipate questions that could be asked, they may also hope that they do not fall victim to any sort of gender discrimination. While there are laws against such discrimination taking place, there has been some question as to whether those laws are currently working against some women.
Many potentially employers will refrain from asking questions about family life during interviews. The reasoning behind this is to avoid any possible accusations of discriminating against a woman who may be thinking of starting a family in the near future, which could potentially affect her availability. If these questions are avoided and a female candidate is not hired, it may appear less likely that it was due to her response to family related questions.
Unfortunately, avoiding these questions could possibly also hinder a woman's chances of being chosen for a position. An applicant may not be thinking about starting a family in the near future, and therefore could be just as available as another candidate. However, a potential employer may assume that a female interviewee could have these wishes because she was not asked to give her plans on the matter, and another candidate could still be chosen.
Gender discrimination situations can be tricky to navigate, and the laws concerning such actions could potentially be cumbersome. Though it seems unlikely that avoiding discrimination in employment entirely could happen, updating laws and other policies could potentially help further reduce the chances of it occurring. Concerned Florida residents may wish to look into state employment laws if they feel they were discriminated against or if they wish to stay updated on potential changes.
Source: The Daily Beast, Are Anti-Discrimination Laws Working Against Millennial Women?, Keli Goff, Jan. 13, 2014