Queer People Answer Questions Straight People Are Too Afraid To Ask
Sample of a Pre-Interview Questionnaire:
Sample Interview Questions for a Phone Interview with an Ally:
What ERG’s (employee resource groups) are available? We strongly believe that your choice to be out at work is an indicator of your ability to succeed at this job. Understanding what support networks exist within the organization, how long they have had these groups, and how they support them throughout the year. Also, is there public documentation about their diversity, LGBTQ inclusion, accessibility, and racial equity commitments? Do they support Pride or other LGBTQ events throughout the year? This is a great area to spark a rich conversation with the organization to tell them what’s important to you!
What is addressed in your equal employment opportunity statement, and do you have identities listed explicitly in your non-discrimination policy?An equal opportunity employer (EOE) statement is a short paragraph that conveys a business’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in its employment practices. If they aren’t sure about the exact wording, at least this is a great conversation starter to dig into how they value each person’s individuality in their workspace. As an example, let’s look at Google’s statement:
How is your organization committing to anti-racism and fighting white supremacy? While this could feel uncomfortable asking this, it’s absolutely OK to do so! Businesses need to make the commitment to dismantling these systems and throughout the past months, many have made public statements about their work in this area. It’s all about accountability, and showing how important this is for both the organization and the staff by asking questions about how they are supporting BIPOC communities through outreach, how they respond to the uprising, and what they are doing to change the narrative in their own spaces – it’s all imperative.
Even though you’ve spent the time researching your employer and the position they’re hiring for, during an interview is time to have a conversation about all of the things that may not always appear in the job description. Knowing what questions are OK to ask helps you start a vibrant conversation that will help you understand how inclusive their workspace is for you. Here are a few ways to get the convo started!
What identities are represented in company leadership? This can start the conversation around gender, identity, and orientation – and remember, so many businesses lead by a vision that someone at the top has put into place. So, where is their influence? Is there LGBTQ representation in the c-suite? Or, even on their board of directors?
Do LGBT grads have any particular issues they need to consider?
All candidates, whatever their level of experience, will likely be nervous before an interview. This is a good thing. Itâs a sign that you really want the job. LGBT candidates themselves may be worried that being LGBT may have a negative impact on their interview process. However LGBT graduates should approach the interview with confidence, donât let any concerns you might have about being LGBT affect your performance.
FAQ
How do you ask about gender in an interview?
What challenges do Lgbtq students face?
Can an employer ask if you are Lgbtq?
Why do companies ask if you are LGBT?
