How to Answer Illegal Interview Questions

Answering and asking questions during a job interview is what an interview is all about. But did you know some of the questions asked may be illegal?

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Proper Attire
• Well Groomed Appearance
• Clear Speech
• Happy Face

1. Know the Question.
   Some examples of illegal questions during a job interview are:
   
   Are you married, divorced or separated?
   How old are you?
   Do you have any credit card debt?
   Do you pay a mortgage or do you rent?
   What political organizations do you belong to?
   Are you using birth control?
   Do you go to church regularly?
   Does your spouse support your career choice?
   How much do you weigh?
   How tall are you?
   How many children do you have?
   What kind of car do you own?

2. Decide if the question is proper.
   Though some of these questions may seem harmless and you have a willing answer ready for each of them, you do not legally have to answer them during a job interview. Though it may seem impolite to refuse to answer a question that does not seem to have any bearing on the job requirements, there is an easy way to still answer an improper question, but in such a way that it illustrates to the person doing the interview that you can handle yourself in questionable situations.
   
   For example, if the interviewer wants to know if you are…divorced, have young children, living with someone, how old you are, and so on, and you feel the question is inappropriate, your response could be as simple as, “Does a … divorce, having young children, living with someone, my age, etc.)… have a direct bearing on the responsibilities for this position?”

3. Answer an improper question with a question.
   Sometimes, answering an illegal question while asking a question in return can move the interview along, without putting you in an unfavorable light, while still allowing you to tell a little bit more about yourself. Isn’t talking about yourself what the interview is for anyway?

4. S.H.A.R.E. your answer.
   However, some questions may require a detailed response. Your answer should include 5 basic lines of reasoning. These 5 basic lines of reasoning can be remembered using the acronym S.H.A.R.E.
   
   1. Describe the situation the interviewer is asking about.
   2. Describe how you overcame or responded to the situation.
   3. Describe the actions you took to
   4. Describe the results of your actions
   5. Give an evaluation of how your actions benefit the situation or organization.

5. Organize your answer BEFORE speaking.
   What if the interviewer wants to know if you belong to any political organizations? They don’t really need to know this and if your political views are not the same as the interviewer’s, it may cost you the job. An example of this type of answer would be:
   
   Situation: I have a keen interest in politics and how the world works.
   How: My views are based on research and personal values.
   Actions: I don’t allow my personal views to interfere with my work responsibilities.
   Results: This allows me to create strong business and customer service skills.
   Evaluation: The manner in which I separate my work and personal life has allowed me to build long lasting relationships with those I work with.

6. Turn an improper quesiton to your advantage.
   As you can see from the answer, though you did not answer the question asked (Do you belong to any political organizations?) your answer showed you are an intelligent person and you have are able to build relationships with others, no matter what your personal views are.

Tips & Warnings

• In conclusion, during your next interview, if you are asked an inappropriate question, you can either answer the question by asking how the question relates to the job responsibilities’, or you can answer the question and SHARE more information about yourself, using the S.H.A.R.E. principles! Good Luck and Happy Job Hunting!
• Remember, your answers to any quesitons the interviewer asks, must be YOUR answers! Turn every answer into an opportunity to talk about your self; how you think, how you process information, how you get along with others.
• Your answers must be polite.
• Your answers must be on tract and relate to the question.
• Your answers must be thought out in advance. (Ask a friend to interview you so you can plan your answers BEFORE the interview.

[krm479]

on 10/24/2008 The list of improper questions is very helpful!