It’s frustrating when you’re qualified for a job but still don’t get it. Sometimes, the reason may have nothing to do with your experience or skills. Discrimination in hiring is illegal, but it still happens more than it should.
What hiring discrimination can look like
Hiring discrimination happens when a potential employer treats you unfairly based on a protected trait. In Tennessee, it’s illegal to discriminate due to race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, disability, or religion. For example, if a company refuses to interview women for a leadership role or only hires people under 40, that could be discriminatory.
Discrimination can also show up in job postings or interview questions. A job listing that says “young, energetic team” may suggest age bias. Asking about plans to have children or your religion during an interview could also raise concerns.
What you can do about it
You don’t have to stay silent if you believe discrimination kept you from a job. First, gather any proof you have. This could be emails, job postings, or notes from the interview. You can file a complaint with the Tennessee Human Rights Commission or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Both agencies review hiring discrimination claims.
Tennessee follows both state and federal anti-discrimination laws. This means you have protection under more than one system. Acting quickly is important because these complaints must be filed within a set time.
How to recognize unfair patterns
One bad experience might feel isolated, but multiple signs can show a pattern. For example, if a company has few older employees or only hires people from one background, it may suggest bias. Pay attention to what’s said during interviews and how your application was handled. If you see a pattern, you may have a stronger case.
Standing up for fair hiring
Everyone deserves a fair shot at employment. Discrimination in hiring hurts not just individuals but entire communities. When you understand your rights and recognize the signs, you’re in a stronger position to take action. Fair hiring creates better workplaces for everyone.