9/1/08

Answer for Interview Questions


8 ILLEGAL JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS, AND HOW TO RESPOND

Benefit to you: Learn How To Identify And Properly Respond To Illegal Job Interview Questions.By Bob Firestone

JobinterviewAnswer
Welcome back, and thanks for your trust. In the United States, there are several questions that areILLEGAL for employers to ask you. Your interviewer should know thatcertain questions are "off limits."

1) Marital Status. Questions such as "Are you married?", "Do you plan to havechildren in the future?" and "How much money does your spousemake?" have nothing to do with the job, and could be viewed asdiscriminating against women. If you get asked this, try to look atthe INTENT of the question and answer in relation to the jobrequirements. Such as, "There is nothing in my personal life thatwill hold be back from doing great work here and advancing withinthe company."

2) National Origin, Language & Race. Questions such as "What is your race?", "What country are youfrom?", "Were your parents born in the United States?" and "IsEnglish your first language?" are totally inappropriate. However,for some jobs you may be required to speak two languages, and forsome jobs you may need to be a US Citizen. The point is thatdiscrimination is Illegal, so be wary of these types of questions.

3) Age. US Federal law prohibits discrimination against persons overthe age of 40. Therefore, employers can not ask applicants theirage. If asked your age, give an answer about your job experienceand track record.

4) Religion. Interview questions such as "What is your religion?" or "Doyou go to church?" are prohibited, as they are not job related, andcould be construed as discriminating against candidates of diversereligious beliefs. Questions such as "Does your religion prohibityour working on Saturdays?" or "Are there any holidays on which youcannot work?" are also illegal. Employers are required to makereasonable efforts to accommodate observance of religious beliefs.

5) Disabilities. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, employers areprohibited from asking questions about an applicant's disabilitiesduring the pre-employment process. Therefore, employers may not asksuch questions as "Do you have any disabilities that wouldinterfere with your ability to do the job?", "Have you ever filed aworkman's compensation claim?" or "Will you need a reasonableaccommodation to perform this job?" It is also legal to ask about acandidate's attendance record in previous jobs, as there may bemany reasons other than disability for poor attendance.

6) Arrests or Criminal Record Employers are not permitted to ask candidates "Have you everbeen arrested?" They may only ask you "Have you ever been convictedof a felony?" If you do have a felony conviction on your record,don't lie about it. Employers can easily find out about it with apublic records search. If you think you will face this question,prepare carefully with a good answer, and follow up by changing thetopic to your qualifications for the position.

7) Financial Condition. Questions about your financial condition such as "Have youever declared bankruptcy?" or "Do you own or rent your home?" arenot permissible. Employers may, however, check your credit score,but only with your written permission. In addition, if an employerrejects and applicant based on a credit report, it must inform theapplicant of this determination and provide certain details aboutthe information obtained.

8) Personal Questions. Personal questions that are totally unrelated to jobrequirements should always be avoided. Even if there is nodiscriminatory intent behind these inquiries, questions such as "Doyou have an active social life?", "Do you belong to any groups,clubs or societies?" may be seen as relating to sex, religion,ethnicity or other improper criteria.

SO
WHAT IS THE BEST RESPONSE?

HERE: JobInterviewAnswer Your response depends on your perceived motivation of theinterviewer as well as your desire to have the position. Your bestbet is to try and keep the interview focused on the qualificationsof the position and your qualifications as a candidate.Overall you have three basic options:

1) Answer truthfully if you feel your response will not hurt you.

2) Inform the interviewer that the question is illegal andrisk offending them and ending your chances for the position.

3) Base your answer on the requirements of the job and yourability to perform it.

Here are a few examples of casually asked illegal questions andsuggested responses:

Q: Does your family mind the travel required for this position?
A: "I am accustomed to significant business travel. In fact, I findbeing on the road invigorating, and my track record has been veryconsistent under these conditions."

Q: Are you religious? Will your religion prevent you from workingextra hours or on weekends when we have a big project?
A: "I suppose everyone is religious in their own way. I do notforesee any circumstances that would interfere with the quality orcommitment of my performance."

Q: You have a very unusual last name. What is its origin?
A: "It really is a mouthful, isn't it? I've always used my firstname and last initial in my business e-mail address, as it iseasier."

Q: Are you planning a family in the near future?
A: "Currently, I am focused on my career and although having afamily is always a possibility, it is not a priority at the moment."

Q: How many more years do you see yourself in the work force(before retiring)?
A: "In today's world people don't retire like they used to; somecan't. My career and my need to earn an income are priorities thatI do not foresee changing in the near future."

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Blatant discrimination does take place. If it does and you areoffended, you have the right to end the interview immediately ("Idon't think we're a good match. Thank you for your time.") -- younever wanted to work there in the first place!


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