One of the hardest things about applying for a job is just making sure that you get a fair chance to be considered for the job. Women have to worry about bosses thinking that they'll take too much time off if they're mothers (or might get pregnant). Minority workers often don't even get an interview. Workers with disabilities face tremendous obstacles in proving that they would make great employees.

Even if you are discriminated against for something that's protected by the law, it can be very hard to prove. How do you prove that you didn't get hired because of your race, religion, age, sex, disability, or national origin (where you or your family are from) if you don't even know who the other candidates were? Some states have laws that protect other groups of people who are often discriminated against. Just being a member of a protected group isn't enough proof. You have to show that that was the reason you were rejected.

Sometimes, you do get proof that you were discriminated against -- because someone tells you or the person interviewing makes it obvious. Read the page on Questions You Shouldn't Be Asked in the Resource Box. If you can think you can prove the an employer is discriminating, you should talk to a lawyer or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Some states also have an agency to help workers who are discriminated against.

Getting Ready for An Interview

If you get an interview, many websites list give advice and give sample interview questions. You will be more prepared and relaxed during the interview if you spend a little time getting ready and practicing answers. Find out about the job ahead of time and think of some questions to ask about the job (make sure all your questions aren't about benefits and time off -- that really annoys many interviewers). Many HR people notice which workers send a thank you note or email after the interview. 

Make sure someone who is good at spelling and grammar reads over anything you send.

Try not to give out personal information before you are hired. If asked about hobbies, mention hobbies which don’t give information about your personal life. Don't mention dangerous activities (motorcycling, skydiving, etc), young children (which can make bosses worry about your attendance), or anything controversial.

Isn't there a law that I have to get an interview if I meet the qualifications of the job?

There is no law that you have to be given an interview -- except if you're not interviewed because of discrimination that is prohibited by a law. All you can do is follow-up to try to get an interview. If the ad does NOT say "no phone calls," call and ask about an interview (and say something about why you'd be good for the job).