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"10 Secrets for Career Change Success"
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†Lee Hecht Harrison study
People
who work with a Career Coach find jobs 15 - 46% faster than those who don't!†
who work with a Career Coach find jobs 15 - 46% faster than those who don't!†
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Career Strategy Session with
Kim Avery,
The Midlife
Career Change Coach.
Your free 30 minute session will focus on YOUR goals, and a strategy to pursue them with confidence!
†Lee Hecht Harrison study
Illegal Interview Questions
Interviewing for a job is incredibly stressful. As a potential candidate, jockeying for the top position against unknown and unseen opponents, nervousness is inevitable. The good news is that the key to interviewing well is simpler than you think. That key? Practice, practice, practice. The more you rehearse the better you will do.
Present yourself well, even in those difficult moments, by taking time to plan for these potential pitfalls. Listen for the employer's underlying concern, know your three different options when asked an illegal question, and rehearse an effective response.
A good rule of thumb is this: almost any question that involves ethnicity, religion, gender, age, health, disabilities, marital status, and parental status are potentially illegal. Thankfully, your future employer probably doesn't mean to break the law, he or she is probably just trying to discover whether you are a good fit for the company and the position.
Options for Answering Illegal Interview Questions
When asked illegal interview questions, you have three choices:
- Point out to the interviewer that he just broke the law and refuse to answer.
- Answer the illegal question in a way that may potentially spoil your candidacy.
- Address the employer's underlying concern.
Employer's Underlying Concerns
What does your interviewer really want to know? Most employers are not interested in digging into your personal life. What they do want to know is this...
- Can you do the job?
- Are a good match in terms of personality and values?
- Are you too big of a risk?
- Can they afford you?
An Effective Response
The option that is most likely to advance your candidacy is this, don't directly answer an illegal question, but do find a way to address the employer's underlying concern.
For example, if a hiring authority asks:
How old are you? You don't have to give your age but you can easily address their concern. If they seem to think you may be too young, say this: "I may look a bit young for this type of position but let me assure you that my years of experience go far beyond my youthful appearance." If the concern is that you are too old: "I feel that my years of experience, my active lifestyle, and my adaptability will provide a good fit for your needs."
If you are being discriminated against while job hunting by all means, take appropriate measures. But if the question was simply phrased poorly, responding to the underlying concern may be your best option.
When you can do the job, you are a good match, and the money is right, find an effective and legal way to let them know.
For more great resources, follow these links:
Job Interview
Free Interview Answers
Common Interview Questions
Behavioral Interviews
Job Interview Quiz
Interview Illegal Questions - A List
Job Interview Etiquette
Interview Thank You Letters
Sample Interview Thank You Letter
Back to Free Resources from Handle Illegal Questions