Can I Be Discriminated Against at a Hiring Event?

Hiring events are a great way for companies to connect with potential employees and for job seekers to get an opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential employers. However, the question of whether discrimination can take place at these events has been asked by many job hunters.

Employers Cannot Discriminate

The answer to the question of whether discrimination can take place at hiring events is yes.

Hiring events are no different from job interviews or any other hiring process when it comes to discrimination. It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against job applicants based on a protected class such as race, gender, age, or disability. Employers are legally required to consider all qualified applicants regardless of their background.

Some forms of discrimination are more subtle than others. For example, if job seekers who are of a certain race are ignored or given less attention than other job hunters, it’s an example of racial discrimination.

Additionally, the way employers review a candidate’s resume can lead to discrimination. If someone is not selected for an interview based on their name, that is also a form of racial discrimination.

Discrimination Based on Age

Another common form of discrimination that can take place at hiring events is age discrimination. This form of discrimination typically affects older job seekers. It involves limiting the opportunities for qualified candidates based on their age.

Sometimes, an employer may prefer to hire younger candidates for a certain position because they feel that they will bring more energy to the team. Other times, an employer may discriminate against older job seekers because they believe that they will demand higher wages.

Employers can base their hiring decisions on experience. While someone’s experience might correspond with their age, age alone cannot be the determining factor.

Disability

Disability discrimination is another type of discrimination that can occur at hiring events. This occurs when a candidate is not given fair consideration because of a disability they possess.

It’s essential to note, however, that companies must make reasonable accommodations for disabled job seekers before or during the hiring process. These accommodations involve things like adjusting the interview location so that the candidate can access it.

Contact an Employment Attorney

Candidates should know that they have rights and should ask questions regarding any feeling they have of discrimination against them. It’s important to understand that employers are legally required to provide equal opportunities to all qualified job applicants, regardless of age, race, gender, or disability.

Federal laws, as well as laws specific to New York City and New York State, protect job candidates from discrimination.

If you have questions about discrimination at hiring events or any questions regarding workplace discrimination, we can help. For more information or to speak to someone about your rights in the workplace if you face discrimination, contact Borrelli & Associates, P.L.L.C.