Intrusive Application Form Questions.

Tweet

I'm seeing more and more job application forms in the UK that ask for information on a potential employees religious persuasion and sexual preferences. Some forms list the main religions, C Of E, Catholicism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, etc so applicants can underline one, and usually include atheism / agnosticism too, as well as presenting a box for listing other beliefs and an option for 'prefer not to say'. I always 'prefer not to say'. As long as our beliefs don't interfere with the job we should be free to believe what we like. I am tempted to use the other option and write in Jedi, Mithrais Worship, Satanism, Great Cthulhu, The Flying Spaghetti Monster, The Church Of The Third Coming Of Wilbur from Mr Ed, or The Temple of none of your business. With gender preferences some forms expect an admission of heterosexuality, homosexuality, Transgenderism, etc. Here again there's a 'prefer not to say'. Option and a chance to say what other preferences you have to which I am tempted to write inter-speciesism, all manner of perversion, inanimate objects including items such as you sell, Martians, and as before none of your business, possibly adding a few explicit drawings in the margins. Such matters should have no bearing on any job, though Satanism might raise a few eyebrows if joining the Catholic priesthood. Unfortunately stating 'prefer not to say'. Triggers the employers belief in not pursuing my application form any further. Arthur Chappell