How should I address job discrimination before even being hired?

How should I address job discrimination before even being hired? I am interviewing for the position of Account Director, but when HR called me, HR explained that the position in my country is Account Manager, but in Western Europe is Account Director. They explained it is the same position, the same job, with the same job description and they will hire 1 person only (who can be anywhere in Europe). I have an interview scheduled for Monday, but I lost interest in this company already as I see this as discrimination. But I feel it is my moral obligation to do something - I just don't know what. Please let me know what would you do in this situation.

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4 Comments

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  1. Anonymous

    Give careful consideration in how much time you want to invest in a company that's not a fit for you! You're already cocked and primed and angry with this hiring process...why on earth would you spend any more of your precious time trying to right-fight this situation? Do you really expect this employer to make it right at this point in the game? They've told you what they can offer you in your country and have been quite transparent...now its on YOU to decide if you want to move forward in the process.

    Have you thought about ASKING for the role at the Account Director level or inquiring about this discrepancy? What if the pay is the same for both positions? I don't care if my job calls me Chief Shit Shoveler as long as the paycheck is there! But that's just me.

    Not sure this rises to the level of discrimination...it may be that the employer has done market research by country and your country tracks at a Manager level.

    Suffering is a choice so be forewarned that you may not get satisfaction in doing something about this sitch. This is hard to hear, but this employer is going to drop you like a hot potato once you indicate your dissatisfaction with the hiring process / title band in your country. You may want to post a nasty review on Glassdoor but you'll spend an hour of time wordsmithing and will get nothing in return.

    Might be time to switch gears and focus on a new set of jobs, doesn't sound like this place is the best fit given these circumstances. Best of luck in your search.

  2. Lesa Edwards, Career Coach & Master Resume Writer

    If you have no further interest in the company, walk away. Pick your battles elsewhere.

    If it were me, I would be curious as to their reason for this distinction and ask questions around it before writing them off.

  3. Anonymous

    This is a business issue driven by local standards and employment trends.

    What exactly do you feel is your moral obligation here? I'm unclear as to what action you'd like to take.

  4. Anonymous

    What makes you feel like this is discrimination?
    There could be valid reasons for why the titles are different and the level is the same. Can you get more clarity as to why? If the director title is important to you and will impact your happiness in the job if you don't get it, then I would pull out of the process now vs. waste your time. I don't know that there's really any action other then move forward in the process if you want the job or pull out because of the title/situation.

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