Illegal or discriminatory questions include references to the following:
- Age
- Birthplace
- Childcare arrangements
- Ethnicity and race
- Disability
- Marital and family status
- National origin
- Religion
- Sexual orientation
If you are asked any question relating to the preceding topics, it could be for one of two reasons. Either the interviewer is asking an illegal question or the interviewer might not be well versed in interview techniques. Many hiring managers have not been formally trained in interview techniques, and that lack of training can result in asking an illegal question.
It is hoped that the question would be harmless enough so that you can answer it without feeling uncomfortable. If you feel uncomfortable answering something, tactfully say that the question doesn’t relate to the job. Try to move onto another question or ask a question pertaining to the job to get the interview back on track.
If you feel that you were subjected to discrimination, speak to someone at your career services office. They could provide the guidance necessary at this stage of your job search. If that is not possible, consult a friend or professor and ask for guidance in your next steps. This is not a matter to be taken lightly, so it’s important to get help from someone who is familiar with these issues.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Interviewers are most likely to ask one of three types of questions: (1) open ended, (2) specific, and (3) motivation questions.
- Unconventional interview questions might be asked, and you must be able to spontaneously answer them.
- It’s wise to know what questions are illegal in case they are asked.
EXERCISES
- Practice answering each of the open-ended, specific, and motivation questions, ensuring that you use specific examples for each.
- Practice the unconventional interview questions as well. Ensure that you tie the positive traits of the object (such as a tree) to key components of the skills needed for the job.
- Review questions that are illegal. If you are asked one of these questions during an interview, follow up with your career services office.
- 2171 reads
