How to Answer: Have you ever reached out to a colleague you felt was experiencing workplace discrimination?
16. Have you ever reached out to a colleague you felt was experiencing workplace discrimination?
How to Answer
There are many obvious signs of discrimination in the workplace and many more subtle signs. The more obvious signs are unequal pay, limited promotions, and demeaning communication. The more subtle signals of discrimination can include undue references to age, gender, race, and other microaggressions. Other less obvious signs of workplace discrimination could also include bias interview questions or unfair disciplinary action.
When responding to a question like this, it's best to give a specific story-based example rather than responding with a generalization. You can form your response using the STAR framework, an acronym for Situation, Task, Action, Result. This framework will allow you to keep your reply well-organized so that the interviewer can follow along with your story.
If you have not experienced this situation in the past, you can speak hypothetically, being sure to address how you would handle the issue and how you plan to support your co-workers should you witness such a situation.
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 22nd, 2020
Answer Example
"(Situation) While working for Company ABC, I noticed that one of the new sales team members was not fitting in as well as expected. (Task) As the Sales Manager, I needed to ensure this team member felt welcome, respected, and comfortable in his new work environment. (Action) I asked this person to lunch so that we could make a stronger connection. We spoke about his first week, and he mentioned previous trouble fitting into new work environments due to a physical disability. I listened carefully and asked him what we could do as a company, and what I could do as his manager to eliminate this situation from recurring. He asked for some new accessibility options and also asked if he could share a bit about his disability with the team so that they would understand him on a more personal level. I agreed, and we held a very informative meeting the following day. (Result) The team embraced our new member, and they were much warmer after taking the time to understand him on a deeper level. It felt great to listen and implement inclusivity measures to make this team member feel comfortable and respected."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 22nd, 2020
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