Should I disclose my nationality or disability on Job Applications?

Recently, a Hispanic woman named Leann created a series of TikToks. She said that she didn’t get interviews after applying for multiple positions at a specific company. She disclosed that she is Hispanic in her application’s Voluntary Self-identification section.

After Leann reapplied as “white” in applications for the same positions, she got interviews.

Leann’s experience prompts the question, “Why do companies as for the Self-identification information?”

We all know that it is illegal to discriminate in hiring for specific targeted groups. But did you know that the US government incentivizes companies to hire employees through a Work Opportunity Tax Credit? The US gave $3.8 Billion in Work Opportunity Tax Credit in 2020 to companies of all sizes!

If companies save so much money by hiring people from target groups and it’s illegal to discriminate intentionally, why do some companies discriminate?

When companies violate federal and state laws, it may be attributed to oversight or lack of understanding. Another reason is that some companies may allow managers access to self-identification information, which may enable them to interject their conscious or unconscious bias. There are also instances where there is a lack of knowledge about regulations. Leann also brought up that the Applicant Tracking Systems may be programmed to reject specific candidates.

According to Scott Kukowski from Career Branding Experts, “there is no 100% correct answer since the impact is entirely dependent on the person who has access to the information. Choosing not to identify has a slight risk that they may eliminate your application from companies taking a concerted effort to grow their diversity. Whereas choosing to identify runs a higher risk that someone may discriminate against you.

The Career Branding Experts’ coach concluded by saying, “If you are in a protected or target group and applying in today’s job market, I suggest that you evaluate the company by looking at online reviews or performing informational interviews to assist you in making the decision to disclose self-identifying information.”

Have you encountered discrimination in the hiring process? If so, please leave a comment below.