Illegal interview questions
Illegal interview questions Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can ask you. An employer’s questions — on the job application, in the interview, or during the testing process — must be related to the job for which you are applying. For the employer, the focus must be: “What do I need to know to decide whether or not this person can perform the functions of this job?” Options for answering an illegal question You are free to answer the question. If you choose to do so, realize that you are giving information that is not job-related. You could harm your candidacy by giving the “wrong” answer. You can refuse to answer the question. By selecting this option, you’ll be within your rights, but you’re also running the risk of coming off as uncooperative or confrontational – hardly the words an employer would use to describe the “ideal” candidate. Your third option is to examine the intent behind the question and respond with an answer as it might apply to the job. For instance, if the interviewer asks, “Are you a U.S. citizen?” or “What country are you from?,” you’ve been asked an illegal question. Instead of answering the question directly, you could respond, “I am authorized to work in the United States.” Or, if your interviewer asks, “Who is going to take care of your children when you have to travel?” you might answer, “I can meet the travel and work schedule that this job requires.” [LGB note: if the question is really out of bounds, you can respond, “Help me understand how that relates to the requirements of this position.” Types of questions Subject: Nationality Subject: Age Subject: Marital/Family status Subject: Affiliations Subject: Personal Subject: Disabilities (NOTE: As part of the hiring process, after a job offer has been made you will be required to undergo a medical exam. Exam results must be kept strictly confidential, except medical/safety personnel may be informed if emergency medical treatment is required, and supervisors may be informed about necessary job accommodations, based on the exam results.) Subject: Arrest record Subject: Military |
http://www.usatoday.com/careers/resources/interviewillegal.htm