Ethnicity or race question on jobs applications
I have been actively seeking for a job opportunity but after of hundreds of applications which in some of them I have to receive an instant reply of thank you for your application but NO thank you, just in a matter of seconds. I'm starting to wonder what I am doing wrong in the process and what comes to my mind is the question of your ethnicity or group race how the called. It is legal this question on the job applications? I born in New York and move to Puerto Rico at 8 years and since I remember I always want to move back to the states but its been a real hard time to get it.
Back to the race question, they categorized into groups, White Americans, Afro-Americans, LATINO OR HISPANIC, Whish accordingly to their definition I fit or belong to this category and other that no worth to mention.
I am an American because I born in New York but the definition to them is White American and obviously, my skin color does not fit in the definition of a white guy. What I should do or how I am supposed to answer this question?
You should check out local, state and federal government positions. Good luck
Don't give up. Some where some organisation must be there to see your capabilities rather than skin colour. Good luck
You can always decline to answer, it's not necessary to say. Just some advice for next time, you're not required to answer that.
Hey Artemio Gonzalez , I’ve also seen these type of background questions within the Equal Opportunity Compliance (EEOC) section on applications but to my recollection answering those surveys questions were always a optional for applicants; has this changed?
I can’t say with 100% certainty that all employers don’t weight in on this information during the application screening process although unethical/illegal but I can see how it would seem like the right thing to fill out in order to qualify for the job.
As far as which box is the right one to check off I can only say that I understand exactly what you’re referring too. I also share a familiar background, (US born form a Dominican culture) and I’ve remember struggling at times trying to figure out which box applies to my background on applications.
Actually, I've also noticed that some applications now include the (Latino/Hispanic of African Descent) option which is the one that I typically choose if it’s there. I fall back into the Black/African American when it’s not.
I either case, try not to let circumstances you can’t control cloud the way you’re being evaluated or your eligibility for getting hired. Focus your attention towards customizing your application to fit the specific job requirements and qualifications and let your talents speak for themselves. Stay Encouraged Artemio Gonzalez and keep at it!
The portion of the application that asks for race or ethnicity is is under a section called "Voluntary Self Identification". It is used to help the EEOC gather data on the number of applicants who are people of color or identify as having a disability or a veteran status.
This section is completely voluntary. If you feel that you are not getting a fair shake due to this section, then don't fill it out.
The section on the application is completely legal. If the hiring company uses this voluntary EEOC information in a negative way such as to exclude applicants of color, then that is illegal. Proving that you are not getting interviews because of your race is difficult. Simply filing a complaint won't result in any action without a preponderance of evidence.
I am pretty sure you'd fit into the Latino. And I have NEVER seen listed on applications "white Americans"...White or Caucasian is what I've seen listed, as well as Native American / Alaska Native, Black / African-American / African Descent, and Other / 2 or more races. You aren't even required to answer these questions. Possibly spell checking your documents and using keywords from the job's listing might help you. Good luck!