Uncommon Interview Settings and Employment Discrimination

Topic 5.1: Uncommon Interview Settings
Being interviewed in a restaurant present a rather unnatural setting, but if I have time to think over all the confusing circumstances, I can try to escape them. First of all, it may become a serious challenge for my wallet, but I think I have a right to save my money and choose something not very exclusive and expensive. It is possible to plead the absence of appetite or having tough lunch, but I’ll try not to cause the conclusion that I have some problems with my digestion or other health problems. I think it is rather important not to go too far in precautions too. Further, I will be careful not to order those meals which are complex in consummation, like lobsters or finger foods, not to look untidy and awkward. And in any case I will avoid any alcohol, either aperitif cocktails or wine with the meal. On the one hand, alcohol can make me a little bit more confident in communication and help me to relax. But on the other hand, I don’t think that it is reasonable to rely on alcohol. It does not mean that I am so afraid of my reaction to spirit, but still I do not want to make an impression that I am a fan of such drinks. It may create unnecessary reputation, and I don’t think that any supervisor would appreciate such a hobby. Besides, I am really not a big fan of alcohol, that’s why I will insist on drinking only nonalcoholic beverages. Of course, I also risk that the interviewer will ask me to bear company for him and not be pleased of I refuse, but I think it is still better to be firm in such preferences, than to get under other confusing risks concerning alcohol.

When applying for a job, we usually remember that there is a list of standard questions we are ready to answer and discuss. But sometimes the interviewers may make us disconcerted by unpleasant and even illegal questions. On the one hand, if I get in such a situation, I will not like it and will think of my right to answer. But on the other, if it is a job I really want, I should overcome my confusion and try to understand why this or that question is asked. For example, when I am asked whether I have children or what is the attitude of my boyfriend or husband to my potential business trips, I will think that it is important for them to know how much they can rely on me, if it is really applicable for me to work extra hours and how often they can transfer the responsibility for business trips to me. It does not always mean discrimination, because sometimes the employer or his representative may better realize whether I fit or not, when they know all the range of responsibilities and peculiarities of the job I may not know beforehand.

That’s why if I see that the questions sound quite reasonable despite my confusion and hesitations, I will try to provide necessary information, making it as little intimate as possible. At the same time, if the questions really touch those spheres which seem to have neither part nor lot in the job I apply for, I will in any case escape answering them and will try to explain my position to the interviewer.