Thursday, June 19, 2008

How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions

Interviews are already stressful enough. Between promoting your skills, showing enthusiasm and laughing at the interviewer's bad jokes, you have plenty to concentrate on.

But when you suspect you've been asked an illegal interview question, stress levels can shoot even higher.

Fortunately, if you know in advance what kind of illegal questions are most apt to sneak into an interview, you can diffuse the situation immediately and move on to more important tasks -- like landing that job.

Three Ways to Answer Illegal Interview Questions

Most interviewers are not out to discriminate against job applicants. Many of the illegal questions that interviewers ask are unintentional -- in fact, if you tactfully point out the question is illegal, the interviewer will likely realize his or her gaffe and immediately retract the question.


The challenge for you is to figure out what to say while you're sitting in that chair, faced with an illegal question. You have three basic options:

* Just answer the question. If you don't mind providing the information and you don't want to make waves, you can respond to the question and move on to the next one. Keep in mind, however, that you should only answer the question if you truly are comfortable providing the information -- it could come back to haunt you.


* Refuse to answer the question. Inform the interviewer that the question doesn't seem to be legal or relevant to the specific requirements of the job. Be forewarned, though, that such a direct response should really be saved for questions that are offensive or deeply troubling.


* Don't answer the question, but answer the intent behind the question. This is usually the best option, since it allows you to provide a tactful answer without sacrificing your rights. To answer the intent behind the question, try to figure out what the interviewer REALLY wants to know. For example, if the interviewer asks if you are a U.S. citizen (which is an illegal question), a smart answer would be, "If you mean to ask if I am legally authorized to work for you, the answer is yes." In cases like these, it's best to rephrase the question into a legal one and then answer it. This displays flexibility and composure -- strong job skills.

An Age-Old Question

Recent reports say that workers are planning to hold jobs well into their senior years. Many even plan to hold off retirement until their 70s or 80s in order to continue bringing in paychecks.

Unfortunately, this has resulted in an increase in complaints from older workers of age discrimination in the workplace, according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

The good news is that interviewers are not allowed to ask you your age during an interview. With some rare exceptions, the only age- related question they can ask is if you're over the age of 18.

One thing to keep in mind: The EEOC's Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 only protects workers who are 40 years old and older from age discrimination and in workplaces with 20 or more employees. However, some local governments have laws that also enforce age discrimination rules for younger applicants and smaller workplaces.

Married ... With Children?

Women make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce, according to the Department of Labor. And as their numbers grow, so do the potential pitfalls they may face during an interview, especially when asked about marriage, children and pregnancy.

While illegal interview questions surrounding relationships, marriage and children are generally more problematic for female job candidates, protection from discrimination applies equally to male candidates.

Basically, you should be suspicious if you are asked any questions about your marital status, your family status, your future plans for children or your child care accommodations.

So what can employers ask? Questions that deal directly with the job requirements (e.g., "Are you willing to relocate?").

Yes, many proud parents enjoy telling stories about their children, and there may be a temptation to trade toddler stories with a friendly interviewer who has a family picture on his or her desk. But to avoid potential problems, err on the side of silence.

A Race for a Job

A recruiter friend of mine told me a story of how she accidentally asked someone an illegal interview question.

"Oh, you have such an interesting name! What does it mean?" she asked a candidate with a beautiful name that was obviously of non-English origin.

Fortunately, my colleague caught herself and told the candidate that she didn't have to answer the question. But it does show how subtly the issues of race, ethnicity and religion might sneak into an interview.

For instance, according to Nolo.com, interviewers are not allowed to ask if you are a U.S. citizen or ask where you were born. However, they can ask if you are legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

So if you are asked about your race, color, religion or national origin, be aware -- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from making employment decisions based on such factors.

Somebody Call the EEOC!

Discrimination is an ugly word, but you can't deny that it does occasionally happen. If you are certain that an interviewer asked you an illegal interview question with the intent of using your answer as a basis for a hiring decision, it's time to talk to the pros.

The EEOC is the government agency in charge of handling complaints of workplace discrimination.

While laws can vary from state to state, the EEOC recommends that you file a charge of discrimination if you feel you have been discriminated against on the basis of any of the categories below:

* Race
* Color
* Sex
* Religion
* National origin
* Age
* Disability

To file a charge, contact your local EEOC office. To find your local branch, go to the EEOC "Filing a Charge" Web page here:

http://www.eeoc.gov/facts/howtofil.html

Keep in mind that there are time limits by which you must file a complaint. For more information on these limits, contact your local EEOC branch.

Alternatively, find a lawyer and have them help you with your complaints.

While illegal questions do add an extra level of stress to an interview, remember that as long as you are aware of what's fair game and what isn't, you'll be one step ahead.

Laid Off? So What?

Layoffs may now be routine in corporate America, but if you're unlucky enough to be left holding a pink slip, you probably have lots of worries. Among them: How will I explain this during future job hunts?

It's true that your layoff and the gap on your resume will probably come up, not just during the initial job search right after the layoff, but also during future job hunts. But it doesn't have to derail your search. The key, experts say, is to be honest about the layoff but to focus your communication with potential employers on what you can do for their company, rather than on your past. And when the layoff comes up, make sure you talk about what you accomplished during your time off.

Here's how to achieve these goals at all stages of the job hunt, in writing and in person:

# Resumes and Cover Letters. Most career experts say you shouldn't mention a layoff at all in a cover letter.

"A cover letter is strictly to market yourself," says Marianne Adoradio, a career counselor in Silicon Valley. "'Here's what you're looking for, here's what I bring.'"


On a resume, you shouldn't say you were laid off, but you should try to account for any substantial amount of time you were out of work. Never try to bridge the gap between two jobs by using the wrong beginning or ending dates. Instead, focus on what you accomplished while you were out of work. Did you take a class? Do consulting work? Work as a volunteer?

On the whole, the less said in writing about a layoff, the better.

"Paper is two-dimensional," says John Haag, a career counselor at the University of Denver Career Center. "Face to face is a whole lot better."

# Networking and Interviews. Face-to-face communication is critical, both in informal conversations with people while networking and in formal job interviews. This is where questions about your layoff will likely come up, and you need to be prepared with two answers: one about why you left your job, and one about what you did during the time you were unemployed.

"If it's the first time it happened to you, it's going to feel awful," says Libby Pannwitt, a career counselor and principal of Work Life Design Group in San Carlos, California. "You need to get over it and find the right words to talk about it wherein there were no bad guys."

The best strategy, Pannwitt says, is to craft a very short, matter-of-fact phrase: "I left in the layoff of 2002," for example.

In an informal networking conversation, discuss the layoff only if asked. Haag says the conversation will get off to a bad start if you open with, "I'm looking for work, I've been laid off." Instead, begin by asking intelligent questions and making a good impression on the other person.

"When it does come time for the person to ask you some questions, be forthright," Haag says. And don't use a "half-apologetic tone," he says. By that time you will have impressed your listeners with your interest in their work, and they won't care whether you were laid off.
Finally, be certain you're answering the right question. For example, Pannwitt says, if an interviewer asks "Why do you want to work here," your answer should be about how much you like the company and the job, not that you need work because you were laid off. "That isn't going to make the employer feel very good."

Source: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/interview/How_to_Handle_Illegal_Interview_Questions__20021118-1632.html?subtopic=Interview+Preparation

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

How to Find Your Dream Job

Is finding your dream job becoming frustrating? Are you job searching in the wrong direction? Do you feel frustrated because you haven't had any luck as yet in finding your dream job? If you're in the market to find your dream job then here are some tips to help you on your way.

Know your passion

Many people make the mistake of not knowing what they want when they are job searching. Here's what you need to do to find your passion. List all the work you're excited about doing on a sheet of paper. You can make headings on your paper by writing work I like to do, My skills, and hobbies. Most people find their passion through their hobbies whether it is biking, playing tennis, sewing, modeling, writing and so forth.

Write Your passion statement

Obviously from your list there must be one skill that gets you excited. Write your passion statement based on the skills (s) that make (s) you excited. Your passion is the driving force in your life that will help you to get your dream job.

Know your skills

You've listed your skills previously during the exercise to finding your passion. This information is important when you're in search of your dream job. When you're able to show your skills to your potential employer you're on your way in getting your dream job.

Create Your Portfolio

Your portfolio is your marketing tool in presenting your skills to your potential employer. Your portfolio includes an updated resume, certificates, diplomas, degrees, work samples, publicity, photos and video clips. Use this opportunity to show your skills in landing your dream job. By presenting your portfolio professionally you're showing how valuable you're to anyone who needs a professional for hire.

Networking Your Way To Your Dream Job

When you're in the market for a new job don't forget people you meet at the bank, supermarket, conferences, workshops, library. Your next door neighbors, old schoolmates and co-workers are all part of your network. Call on them for help by letting them know you're once again in the job search market.

Your Network Your Pot Of Gold

Peole you identified as your network are the people who will aid you in getting your dream job. Don't ever under estimate anyone because you never know who they know. Don't be afraid to ask for help when you're seeking a job. The people in your network are happy to help you in whatever way they can. Use your network as your pot of gold in getting your dream job.

Rule of Thumb
Always keep in touch with people you meet because you never know when you need to call a favor. Always put people first by getting to know them. "You can make more friends in a month by being interested in them than in ten years trying to get them interested in you" –Charles L. Allen, Roads to Radiant Living.

In sum, your dream job is just around the corner if you follow the tips above. Remember know your skills, have your portfolio handy, have passion in whatever you do, and network. By following these tips you're on your way in getting your dream job.

For more resource in finding your dream job you can read this guide: http://www.work.com/finding-your-dream-job-1469


Through her writing, speaking, training and development, job search expert, Annmarie Edwards helps individuals worldwide maximize their full growth potential. She is the author of 50 Proven Strategies to Maximize Your Job Search and many other books, special reports and case study. You're welcome to visit her website for more information:

Source: http://www.articleheaven.com/article_611162_36.html