At a job interview the very first question they asked me after introductions was whether I have children. I said “yes, two” and the interview ended right away. The HR person immediately told me that I wasn’t suitable for them.
I’m shocked, because my kids go to kindergarten and my mom helps take care of them when they’re sick. But I didn’t even get the chance to explain that.
Is it normal to treat parents this way? Or are they promoting a child-free policy?

3   
  • Richard Choate

    2mo
    Best answer

    That is an incredibly illegal question. They can only ask that question “after” you’ve been given the job. Anyone asks you again in an interview if... your married or have children you are in your rights to say, “I don’t have to answer that question.” I think you dodged a bullet with that organization. more

  • Hi there. How are you doing today. I just need a lil’ help connecting me to your school colleagues 🔴. I wanna assist them to crush their assignments... and get top grades ‘cause I’m solid in:

    Marketing
    Psychology
    Econometrics
    Social work
    Nursing/Health Sciences
    Engineering
    Business/Management
    English/Literature/Creative Writing

    You wanna hook me up with them so I can help ‘em soar with my assignment writing skills.

    Regards
     more

  • Oh wow I’m a nurse that’s discrimination I would report immediately

    1
  • Hi there. How are you doing today. I just need a lil’ help connecting me to your school colleagues 🔴. I wanna assist them to crush their assignments... and get top grades ‘cause I’m solid in:



    Marketing
    Psychology
    Econometrics
    Social work
    Nursing/Health Sciences
    Engineering
    Business/Management
    English/Literature/Creative Writing

    You wanna hook me up with them so I can help ‘em soar with my assignment writing skills.



    Regards
     more

  • That’s a nice question to ask legal! Did the job requisition state: 5 years of experience, college degree or certificate, clean background and must... not have children? Hmmmm? You may not need a job now, but I’m not an attorney. more

  • This question is common and its good for some one to declare about her children from the initial stage and not late stag because any emergency can... arise. more

    1
  • I think the question was not bad but not was at the right time

    1
  • If that happened in USA it is illegal.

    1
  • Kenyan constitution is not applicable in every jurisdiction, furthermore a company might be looking for a single lady who might be given more... responsibility like foreign travels that might not suit a mother of two.Nobody can force employer to employ a mother. more

  • What happened to you is not consistent with Kenyan law or proper HR practice. Under Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, every person has the... right to equality and freedom from discrimination, including in employment opportunities. In addition, Section 5 of the Employment Act requires employers to promote equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination against a prospective employee during recruitment on grounds such as sex, pregnancy, or marital status. Rejecting a candidate simply because they have children can therefore amount to unfair and potentially discriminatory treatment unless the employer proves it is an inherent requirement of the job.

    My advice is not to take it personally, as the situation may reflect poor HR standards or a problematic workplace culture. If you wish, you can politely request clarification from the employer about why the interview ended immediately, and if discrimination is evident you may raise the issue with the relevant labour authorities or seek advice from the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection. More importantly, consider it a warning sign—an organization that screens out parents may not provide a supportive or fair working environment.
     more

    3
  • Every institution has its policies, illegal or not is subjective. In the past, I have equally worked in a no Family UN related workplace, but that was... the policy. It's normal, it's okay, let us try else where. more

  • Asking job applicants or employees about the number/age of children, pregnancy, or child care arrangements is considered evidence of potential... discrimination, particularly if asked only of women. Such inquiries related to sex (including pregnancy) violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. To file a complaint, contact the EEOC within 180 days (or 45 days for federal employees).
    U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (.gov)
    U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (.gov)
    +3
    Key Aspects of the EEOC Complaint Process for Gender/Family Inquiries:
    Discriminatory Inquiries: Questions about children or family planning are generally discouraged and can be used as evidence of illegal sex discrimination.
    Differential Treatment: It is clearly illegal to ask these questions only of women and not men, or to use this information to make adverse employment decisions (hiring, promotion, firing).
    Gender-Based Assumptions: Assuming a female employee is less committed or unable to travel due
     more

    1
  • Not allowed to ask. If you say yes. Accommodations? If it's traveling involved you shouldn't apply. I had my parents help. My boss Accommodated. I was... the last to travel. If chosen I said I would be gone 2 to 3 business days so it's truly beneficial. I could have just gone to see a person. That made no business sense. Mutually beneficial.  more

    1
  • I am sure, they didn't ask for the number right!

    2
  • The question is considered illegal in many countries. Familial status is a protected class IAW US discrimination laws. So you cannot use a person's... familial status to pre-determine their level of commitment or performance.  more

    4
  • That question is not bad thought it sound strange, for its meant to determine your level of responsibilities and your flexibility in regard to... management, however it depends on the project requirement and like any interviews its only leads to deeper understanding of the candidate not an end to itself, I believed that interviews was a casual interview. more

    -1
  • That sounds like a really frustrating experience. In many places, asking about children during an interview is considered inappropriate because it can... lead to discrimination against parents. Ideally, employers should focus on skills and job requirements rather than family status. It’s unusual for an interview to end immediately after a question about children. Most hiring processes focus on qualifications and availability rather than family status. If that was the reason for the decision, it could raise concerns about fairness in hiring. Having children doesn’t automatically affect someone’s ability to do their job, and many companies successfully employ working parents. It might just mean that the organisation wasn’t the right fit, but hopefully you’ll find one that values your skills and experience.


     more

    2
  • surely that is simple qwestion ,every respons must be consider

  • Wow, there is nothing wrong with this question as sometimes employers want to determine your other commitments, and to better understand who you are... outside of the work front, but having children does not take away your ability to do your job. I was once asked this question and as I was answering I slipped in there how managing my kids has enhanced my ability to negotiate situations, deal with conflict and has enhanced my ability to think on my feet as children keep you on your toes. I elaborated that I have excelled as an HR practitioner because of how well I balance my work-home lifestyle. At times one need to answer strategically when employers sneak in a below the belt question as having children does not hinder how you do your work as well as does not measure your passion and commitment. I started of my answer with, oh wow what a question, I have been blessed with 3 kids and because of them I am a passionate HR practitioner as I ........... more

  • That is an incredibly illegal question. They can only ask that question “after” you’ve been given the job. Anyone asks you again in an interview if... your married or have children you are in your rights to say, “I don’t have to answer that question.” I think you dodged a bullet with that organization. more

  • That is an incredibly illegal question. They can only ask that question “after” you’ve been given the job. Anyone asks you again in an interview if... your married or have children you are in your rights to say, “I don’t have to answer that question.” I think you dodged a bullet with that organization. more