Guest Author - Jan Cannon
If you are asked questions about your marital status, personal life, arrest record, physical or mental disabilities, race, religion, sexual preferences or ethnicity, they are illegal. Here are some examples and some possible rephrasing options.
Illegal: Are you married? Do you have children? Are you planning to have children? Do you care for dependents?
Legal: Will you be able to travel frequently?
Illegal: Do you have any disabilities?
Legal: Do you have any conditions that would prevent you from doing this job?
Illegal: How do you feel about working with Hispanics, men, Asians, etc.?
Legal: Do you have difficulty working with any types of people?
If you’re asked one of these questions, or similar ones, you have two choices for your answers: terminate the interview or respond tactfully. Unless there are other reasons you would find the job unattractive, choose to answer with tact.
You could say, “I don’t understand what you mean. Would you please rephrase the question?”
Or, “I am qualified for this job. Is that what you’re asking?”
Or, “Would you please explain how this relates to the job qualifications?”
Or, “I’m not required to answer that question as you stated it.”
All, of course, will be asked in a pleasant tone of voice. Instead of assuming that the interviewer is intentionally asking questions that are not appropriate, believe that s/he has made an honest mistake and answer politely. If you think you want the job, making the interviewer feel embarrassed may not be the best tactic.
A courteous demeanor and polite answers will go a long way toward making the interview pleasant. Just remember that the discussion should be about the job requirements and the skills and experience you bring to the table, not about your personal life.
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Need help with interviewing or other job search skills? Visit Cannon Career Center’s website.
