Dodgy questions you shouldn't be asked on applications

[yellowvan]

Have an application form in front of me for a job I want to apply for (gp receptionist), but it asks for 'marial status' and 'number of children/ages'. Now, I really can't see how this info would help in the selection process if it was being truly equal ops, and i've a mind to either leave blank, delete completely (crap word file to complete), and to suggest I would be happy to answer anonymously as part of 'equalities monitoring' at a later time. Wwyd? It's actually really pissed me off.

They shouldn't be on the application! But I guess its how to leave them while not annoying the person doing the sift. I'd be tempted to put a slash through the slot for the answer rather than leaving them blank - blank would seem to suggest that you'd ignored or not noticed them, whereas making some (neutral) mark says "Yes I saw the question and am choosing not to answer it" without actually using any words.

I think its not the right place for writing in an explanation of how offensive you find the implications of those questions!

I would either leave it blank or put n/a (to make it clear that it wasn't that I had forgotten to answer).

Yes, I take the point about making it plain that i had actually read it but chose not to answer. I'm gad you agree it shouldn't be there. thanks both.

There is nothing wrong with putting it on the application form. The problem usually arises if they only ask the women or only ask the men etc. If they ask everyone then its harder to prove they're being discriminatory in the question.

Though it is a daft question.

I'd put "Yes" for the children and "it changes yearly" for the ages question.

I think there's plenty wrong with putting it on the application form because there are no circumstances under which the answers would be at all relevant.

Although asking everyone obviously makes claiming discrimination difficult from a legal point of view, I think any company which thinks it's reasonable/appropriate/important to ask those questions is more likely to discriminate as it is indicating the answers to those questions may influence the outcome of their shortlisting process.

I would advise against being 'smart' with your answers. Not applicable or blank is fine to convey that you do not feel the questions are appropriate or relevant without irritating them.