HR must train hiring managers to be careful about what they say during interviews — or the company could face huge legal battles down the road.

In one recent case, a woman came to interview for a job that required some heavy lifting. The hiring manager told her the position was a “man’s job” because of the physical labor involved.

She was turned down in favor of a male applicant. The woman sued for sex discrimination.

The company tried to get the case thrown out, arguing that she wasn’t hired because she didn’t meet the job’s education requirements — however, it had previously hired several people without the “required” education for similar positions.

Therefore, the court decided the interviewer’s comments were enough evidence of gender bias. The company lost the case.

Cite: Sims v. Coosa County Board of Education

Tags: gender, hiring bias