On forms like job applications that ask the applicant’s race, is it possible to lie and get away with it? I’ve never lied on one, but it occurred to me that if you get the job, the employer usually asks for two forms of ID. I always give them my SS card and driver’s license. Neither specifies my race. Who is to say someone couldn’t lie about their race on an employment form to up their chances of getting the job? Of course, companies do background checks and can probably find that information, but it’s unlikely a lot of places especially in smaller offices or informal businesses like restaurants would do background checks. I wouldn’t lie about something like this, but I’ve often wondered, especially in urban areas, if being of a different race would up a person’s chances, esp. if the company is owned by a minority?
Tags: About, Employment, Question, Race
they say that they only ask that question
for background checks. but personally i think
its for different reasons.
Some major companies (and small ones too) like to have a pct. balance of various races in their company both for sake of doing what is right but also to provide an argument against race discrimination. Some companies are under great pressure to promote minorities, so they could get a printout of all of a certain race for consideration for a promotion.Nothing wrong with that.
From what I know, it’s federal law that it is illegal to ask that question on an employment application. However, they can ask after you are hired in order to fulfill reporting requirements. If it is on an application, leave it blank. Same with questions regarding marital status, children, and age.
Finding out that someone lied on a job application can get them fired too. Just leave it blank and highlight your accomplishments. If they ask, tell them you don’t think it should matter.
The purpose of asking for race in these cases is not to discriminate, but to find out who is discriminating. I am sure companies do not discriminate, but too many people do discriminate.
There was an interesting movie about this called “The Human Stain”, starring with Anthony Hopkins. I won’t give away the ending….
Another Discrimination Dilemma:
Should fertile women not be allowed to work in nuclear facilities, because they might have birth defects from the radiation? It is discrimination to not hire them?
Is hiring men for such jobs discriminating against men because the jobs are not safe?
doubtful….companies should not hire based on race unless that helps them fill a certain quota/guideline that they need to meet that will help insulate them from being sued
How i wish race would be taken out from application forms. I mean, what background check would they possibly require??? i’ve had this friend who called up and agency and gave in her particulars. They told her that there werent any vacancies available. Another friend of mine from a majority group called up the same agency 10 minutes later and they told her that there were positions available and asked her to come down for an interview. I was in half a mind to call them up and screw the f*in agency.
Racism exist. Perhaps, someday things might change… But for now, please dont lie in resumes.
you can get fired.