TRAPS: Illegal
questions include any regarding your age...number and ages of your children or
other dependents ... marital status ... maiden name...religion ... political
affiliation ... ancestry ... national origin ... birthplace ... naturalization
of your parents, spouse or children ... diseases ... disabilities...clubs ...
or spouse's occupation ... unless any of the above are directly related to your
performance of the job. You 'can't even
be asked about arrests, though you can be asked about convictions.
BEST ANSWER: Under the ever-present threat of lawsuits, most
interviewers are well aware of these taboos.
Yet you may encounter, usually on a second or third interview, a senior
executive who doesn't interview much and forgets he can't ask such questions.
You can handle an illegal question in several ways. First, you can assert your legal right not
to answer.
But this will frighten or embarrass your interviewer and
destroy any rapport you had.
Second, you could swallow your concerns over privacy and
answer the question straight forwardly if you feel the answer could actually
help you. For example, your interviewer,
a devout Baptist, recognizes you from church and mentions it. Here, you could
gain by talking about your church.
Third, if you don't want your privacy invaded, you can
diplomatically answer the concern behind the question without answering the
question itself.
Example: If you are
over 50 and are asked, "How old are you?" you can answer with a
friendly, smiling question of your own on whether there's a concern that your
age may affect your performance. Follow
this up by reassuring the interviewer that there's nothing in this job you
can't do and, in fact, your age and experience are the most important
advantages you offer the employer for the following reasons...
Another example: If
asked, "Do you plan to have children?", you could answer, "I am
wholeheartedly dedicated to my career," perhaps adding, "I have no
plans regarding children." (You needn't fear you've pledged eternal
childlessness. You have every right to
change your plans later. Get the job
first and then enjoy all your options.)
Most importantly, remember that illegal questions arise from
fear that you won't perform well. The best answer of all is to get the job and
perform brilliantly. All concerns and
fears will then vanish, replaced by respect and appreciation for your work.
