Interview Questions: Most Common, Illegal, and Questions You Should Never Ask
Employers should know the kinds of questions to prepare for prospective employees. The most common questions are open-ended and give job applicants an opportunity to elaborate on their qualifications for the position. However, there are some questions that interviewers are better off not asking, and others that are downright illegal. Interviewers would be well-advised to find out the federal and state laws that apply.
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Common Interview Questions
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One of the most common interview questions is "Tell me about yourself." This open-ended question gives the interviewer an opportunity to find out what the applicant has accomplished that would make him the best candidate for the job. "Why do you want to work at this company?" gives the applicant the chance to show enthusiasm and knowledge of the job and the company. Interviewers frequently ask about a candidate's weaknesses. Often, the candidate will turn a weakness into a strength by saying something like "I work too hard." However, "What are your hobbies?" is an interview question interviewees may not expect. The answer to this question can provide evidence of hobbies that require focus, teamwork and analytical skills that may be needed in the position.
Illegal Interview Questions
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Some previously common interview questions are now prohibited by state or federal law. Interviewers should check before asking any questions that pertain to marital status, citizenship, age, disability, pregnancy, arrest record or national origin. Though, in some cases, questions can be rephrased slightly to elicit necessary information about the applicant's qualifications. For example, the employer may not be able to ask an applicant's age, but she might ask if the applicant is over the age of 18, if being over 18 is a requirement for the position. To avoid age discrimination, the applicant should not be asked "How old are you?" or "When did you graduate from high school?" The interviewer should not inquire "How many children do you have?" or "Are you married?" Questions relating to appearance may not be asked, such as "How tall are you?" Other prohibited questions are "Do you have any disabilities?" and "Where were you born?"
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Questions to Avoid
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Questions that require a simple "yes" or "no" answer should not be asked, because they do not reveal a lot of information about the applicant. Open-ended questions give the candidate the chance to speak in answer to the question. In addition to the specific information, the interviewer can tell how the candidate communicates and see if he uses good judgment in his answer. Instead of asking "Are you a team player?" which can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," asking the candidate to "Explain why you prefer to work by yourself or with others" will reveal a lot more about the applicant.
Good Interview Questions
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The best interview questions can touch on how the candidate progressed in her career path and how the candidate handled conflict with a co-worker or subordinate. These questions are designed to find out how the candidate solves problems and makes decisions. Candidates may be asked to describe a creative solution to a problem encountered at work or how they would improve upon a current process. Another good interview question is to ask is why the candidate left his last job. The final question is frequently "Do you have any questions for me?" which can reveal how much the candidate knows about the company and the position or how focused he was on what you were saying.
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References
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