A client has asked for some advice regarding a candidate who they interviewed- and has now complained about the interview.

The interview was structured, and was a panel interview. One of the question topics covered diversity. Whilst all of the 5 candidates were asked identical questions, this candidate had also written a strong supporting comment on their application form (on the diversity section) and mentioned that they were from a “minority group”.

This comment was picked up in the interview and the diverity question was asked with this comment as an introduction. The candidate gave sound responses but was “vague”.

This candidate did not pass the interview and the reason given by our client directly to the candidate was that “they did not display full awareness of diversity and positive discrimination”. The candidate took exception to this and declared that they were gay and felt that the questioning process unfairly pushed them into a corner- either remaining vague or declaring their sexuality which they believe was unfair.

The candidate has now complained in writing to this effect. So, can questioning someone on diversity be unfair if that questioning makes them feel uncomfortable in the process?

I’d appreiciate your views before I decide on the response to our client!

Liam
Liam Dolan