INTERVIEWING

We all know that interviews are important. They are not only a way for the employer to find out about you, but also a way for you to discover things about them. Do not be afraid to ask the person interviewing you about the company’s culture or if they have any LGBTQ+ groups. Here are a few common questions members of the LGBTQ+ community have asked about interviewing.

SHOULD I BRING UP LGBTQ+ VOLUNTEER AND PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES IN MY INTERVIEW?

Bring up any experience that strengthens your application and makes you a more qualified candidate. If you have had multiple roles in your past that showcase the same skills and qualifications as the LGBTQ+ related one, you can leave it out. That said, remember that you only have to share what you are comfortable with.

WHAT IF I AM ASKED “ARE YOU MARRIED?”

It is prohibited by law to ask someone their marital status. That being said, feel free to share whether or not you are married if you are comfortable doing so. Be aware that the interviewer may then ask you who you are married to or say something along the lines of: “who is the lucky lady” or “what’s his name.” If you do not want to disclose your marital status, you can politely decline to answer the question.

DO I HAVE TO DISCLOSE MY GENDER IDENTITY OR SEXUAL ORIENTATION?

Disclosing your gender identity or sexual orientation is completely optional and 100% your call. If you do decide to disclose this information during an online application process or as part of a questionnaire, it is confidential and not publicly available. If you disclose this information in an interview, this information is not confidential and the interviewer could tell other employees at the company.

Source: https://www.zippia.com/advice/lgbt-resource-guide/#interviewing

By Daniel Morgan
Daniel Morgan Career Advisor