8 Questions Employers Should Stop Asking Women In Interviews

It is 2022, and employers still ask degraded and intrusive questions while interviewing a woman. Such an approach reflects how a firm categorises its women's workforce into assets and liabilities. Here is why we think employers and HRs must refrain from asking the following questions from female interviewees.

Will Your Husband Or Family Be Okay With You Working Late Or Going On Business Trips?

When an employer asks a woman this question, it denies her the autonomy to decide for herself. She is financially independent and can elect to work late or go on business trips. On the other hand, men are not asked this question because companies assume that their work comes before their families.

Are You Planning A Family/ Do You Have Kids?

Why would an organisation need this information? It does conclude if a woman would handle the job and duties that come with it. Also, whether a woman is planning a family or not is none of anyone’s business. It is a personal choice that does not speak of her talent, work experience and educational background.

Do You Live Alone?

Whether a woman lives alone or with family and friends has nothing to do with how she will take on the job role. The answer to this question cannot certainly justify her annual package. 

How Will You Balance Your Family And Work?

Having a family does not mean a woman would not devote her focus to work. When asked this question, it downgrades her experience and talent to a fact that she has a functioning home. Women know how to balance work and personal life. Moreover, men are equally responsible for their families, yet they are never asked this question.

Are You Planning To Get Married?

Just like asking about planning a family, questions regarding marriage are also intruding. Whether a woman is single or married would not affect her ability to take the job role and achieve her targets. 

Her marital status does not reflect on her qualifications, her work experience does. Just like a man’s marital status would not affect whether he would prove to be an asset to the company, the same logic goes for women.

What Is The Occupation Of Your Husband/Father?

When an employer asks a woman this question, it seems like saying her identity is associated with the man of the house. Her father’s or husband’s jobs do not bring anything to the table, but her talent and education qualification do. The question demeans all the efforts she has put in so far.

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We Might Transfer You To Another Location, How Will Your Husband/Family Manage?

When an employer asks a woman this question, it denies her the right to make the decision. It puts her in a spot to choose between her career or family. A working woman is independent enough to decide on her transfer or next step in the job. 

She does not need permission from her family, father or husband. On the other hand, organisations assume that it is okay for a man to leave behind his family and get transferred to a new location, with no strings attached.

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What If Your Husband Transfers To Another Location?

Asking this question to a woman implies that she would follow her husband to another part of the world without any regard for her job. It also implies that her career is inferior to her husband’s.

An organisation should judge a woman employee based on their education and work qualifications. Their marital status, family planning, husband’s job and living situation have no role in deciding whether they fit the job description. She is an individual independent enough to make decisions regarding her life. Stay tuned to HerZindagi for more such stories.