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Feminism: Sex and gender discussions

How best to answer 'What are your preferred pronouns?' in an intervew

607 replies

NancyDrawed · 23/09/2024 17:19

I have been out of the workforce for a very long time but finally have an in-person interview later this week.

The confirmation email is signed by a name followed by (he/him/his). I need to get a job. But I am trying to get my head around what I would say if I was directly asked what my preferred pronouns are.

On principle I would like to say 'I'm not a follower of that ideology so use whichever you see fit' or something along those lines, but is that likely to mean I have no chance of getting the job?

I am clearly female, so a small part of me would want to say he/him/his just to see the reaction!

It might not even come up at all, but I'd like to be prepared.

OP posts:
ditalini · 23/09/2024 17:27

I can't think of a possible reason why someone sitting across from you would need to know how to refer to you in the third person.

I very much doubt it'll come up - this is probably a suggested email field that they've opted to fill in and ime it doesn't necessarily reflect how invested they are in the ideology, keen beans, be-kinders and unthinking rule followers will likely all comply.

Sortumn · 23/09/2024 17:26

"oh I don't really mind"

Happyher · 23/09/2024 17:26

I’d say ‘why are you asking that?’ and put it back to them

MiriamMay · 23/09/2024 17:25

It’s a difficult call if you’re really in need of this job.
I saw a job advertised that I would love but a huge part of the job advert talked about how they were members of the Stonewall Diversity scheme. Ultimately, I made the decision that I couldn’t work at a place like that.

MrsJackRackam · 23/09/2024 17:25

Sex based, like my oppression

ThatFlightyTemptress · 23/09/2024 17:24

It’s like someone asking you what name you’d prefer to be called by - it’s a courtesy, just to check they are addressing you how you’d prefer. It’s not a test, so don’t be a difficult arsehole - just tell them and move on. You’ll never hear another thing about it.

grapes2087 · 23/09/2024 17:22

In reality I think I’d probably go for a halfway house of ‘I’m female’.
I’d be surprised if it came up at interview if it hasn’t already been asked for on your application form