How sexist remarks from interviewee should impact on hiring process?

manpreet Best Answer 2 years ago

We had an interview with a candidate who from the technical and management point of view is very interesting for our company.

He has a long work experience in country A. Country A is internationally rated poorly on women's rights. It was his wife that applied on his behalf to the position as a lecturer there, so the interviewer asked:

• It is interesting that she considered moving to country A, other wives might be reluctant to go there...

To which the interviewee replied:

• Country A is often misconceived by its women's right. It is actually a paradise for women, as they have cheap jewelry and a chauffeur there. (they were not allowed to drive in Country A at that time)

As a piece of the context, he is not a national nor currently living in country A. He left due to limitations on having his children enrolled on the university there, since they are not nationals of country A. Therefore, I don't think he is trying to defend a country dearly to him.

He is applying to a senior developer position. While he will not directly manage the team, he would be the most experienced programmer of the company. It is important that he improves our methods and architecture, but at the same time, he should be open to junior suggestions and keep some sensible legacy code.

We are in a domain where there are few women working for us, but from this kind of mindset, I fear he might undermine their work due to prejudice. I think it is reasonable to evaluate this during his trial period.

Are there other impacts on his professional performance I am not considering from his supposed sexist view of women?

manpreet 2 years ago

First, he answered an unprofessional question in an unprofessional way.

[Country A] is actually a paradise for women, as they have cheap jewelry and a chauffeur there.

I'm sorry to have to say this, but this is patronising against women. Patronising and at least a bad sign. Some people won't believe it, but women are as diverse as men, and pretending we all value cheap jewelry and being driven arround above everything else, is really offensive.

In my experience, people who have such an over-simplified view about a group of people, will try to squeeze said group of people into their views, and in my experience, this can lead to a toxic work environment.

Does it mean this person will discriminate women? Not necessarily. Some people are able to keep their world views for themselves and treat everyone as people. There is also the possibility that he was angry because of the question, and he didn't mean to make a sexist remark, and he behaves perfectly well towards everyone.

So, if you decide to hire him, I would keep an eye on possible bad behaviour*, and deal with it as soon as possible. Basically what Joe Strazzere suggested. Also, tell the interviewer to not to ask offensive questions next time, please.

*In my opinion, you should always do this.