What You Should Know Before You Interview

Illegal Questions and How to Answer Them The questions a prospective employer can ask you during a job interview are regulated by federal and state laws. Employers are only allowed to ask questions relating to the job, but occasionally a potential employer may ask you an illegal question deliberately (or accidently). You don’t have to answer, but that may not always leave the best impression. Unfortunately, you may not want to answer either, if it will hurt your chances of being offered the job. What can you do? Many times the reasons for the illegal questions are legitimate concerns of the employer. They just didn’t know how to ask the right questions. Below are some illegal questions you may be asked during an interview, the reasoning behind the questions and a response you can give that may address their concerns.

Illegal questions: How old are you? What is your birth date?
Why they might be asking: Some jobs have minimum age requirements (i.e. working in a bar requires that you be of legal drinking age.)
Possible answer: I am old enough to meet the minimum age requirements for this position.

Illegal questions: Are you a U.S. citizen? Where were you born? What is your nationality?
Why they might be asking: They need to know if you are authorized to work in the United States.
Possible answer: I am able to legally work in the United States.

Illegal questions: Are you married? Do you have children? When do you plan on starting a family?
Why they might be asking: They are concerned that you will have family conflicts if you are asked to relocate, travel, work varying shifts or work overtime.
Possible answers: My personal life will not affect my ability to do this job.

Illegal questions: Do you have any disabilities? What is your family medical history? How often did you call in sick at your last job?
Why they might be asking: They are concerned that you will not be able to perform job related functions because of physical limitations.
Possible answers: I would be able to physically perform the essential functions of this job.

Note: After you are offered the job, you will have to provide proof that what you said is true. For example, may need to provide a copy of your drivers’ license, social security card or work visa. Also, you may be required to pass a physical exam or drug test.

Interview Dos and Don’ts Dos Try to schedule your interview between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. Learn about the company first. Review beforehand the things you want to tell the interviewer. Look your best. Smile and look the interviewer in the eye. Be enthusiastic about the job. Ask questions. Thank the interviewer for their time when done. Don’ts Don’t be late. Don’t chew gum. Don’t say “uh,” “you know,” and “like.” Interview Tips - http://www.myfuture.com

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