My lovely friend works 3 low-paid jobs and works her arse off. so her sponging fiancé can take her wages off her but that's another thread.
She has given up one of these recently and applied for a caretaker/cleaner post in a local church and adjoining hall. Her first interview with one of the female committee members was really successful and when they took her bank details, NI number, discussed hours etc. my friend felt it was a good sign.
However, yesterday she was called to a "second interview" with a different member (male) with the original woman present (but she was silent this time). During the interview he asked her "are you sure you're going to be able to move these tables and chairs?" "Are you sure you're going to be ok locking up on a night?" "Are you sure you'd feel comfortable working alone?" and "Would you be willing to ask your partner to meet you here when you finish on a night?"
She was called afterwards and told she'd been "pipped at the post" by another candidate. For me, it seems clear this chap never wanted to hire a woman. My friend feels strongly this way too but just wants to put it behind her. I'll support whatever she wants, but I don't think employers should be able to behave this way.
Maybe I'm wrong and these are valid questions.....but I don't think I am. Any perspectives on this would be most welcome.