How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions - FlexJobs

How to Handle Illegal Interview Questions - FlexJobsHow to Handle Illegal Interview Questions 24Whether out of ignorance or willful disregard for the law, interviewers can sometimes ask interview questions of job candidates that are notlage, strictly speaking, legal. As a job seeker, its important to know these types of questions ahead of time, and be prepared with a plan for dealing with them in the moment.How should you respond to illegal interview questions?This truly depends on the motives behind the question and the interviewer who asked it. There are two ways to consider your next move1. If the interviewer doesnt seem to know the question is illegal, and they are just trying to assess your qualifications of the jobTry to address the underlying concern of the question rather than answering that question directly. For example, if the interviewer asks what religious holidays you observe, they might be trying to gauge how many days off work you might need in a given year. So, inste ad of telling them your religious views, tell them that youll be available to work the normal schedule required by position.2. If the interviewer seems to understand that his or her question is illegal, but theyre asking it anywayAgain, try to address the underlying concern of the question. In this case, you might want to state outright that while youre not able to answer the question theyve asked, you can offer this other information instead. This way, they know that youre aware what theyre asking is illegal.For example, if a company asks whether you plan on starting a family in the next year or two, address the underlying concern are you able to commit to a job for the long-term. Instead of telling them your family planning schedule (yikes), say something like, While Im not comfortable discussing personal matters in a job interview, I can assure you that I am committed to my career for the long-term, and Im looking for a position where I can contribute for the long haul.Then, eit her during the interview or once its over, youll really want to consider whether or not working for a company that blatantly violates the law by asking illegal questions is a place that youre willing to work.Here are 10 commonly asked illegal job interview questions, and their legal counterparts.Illegal Are you a U.S. citizen?Legal Are you authorized to work in the U.S.?Illegal How long have you lived here?Legal What is your current address and phone number? Do you have any alternative locations where you can be reached?Illegal Do you live nearby?Legal Are you willing to relocate?Illegal Do you belong to a club or social organization?Legal Are you a member of a professional or trade group that is relevant to our industry?Illegal How old are you?Legal Are you over the age of 18?Illegal Can you get a babysitter on short notice for overtime or travel?Legal Youll be required to travel or work overtime on short notice. Is this a problem for you?Illegal How do you feel about supervising m en/women?Legal Tell me about you previous experience managing teams.Illegal Have you ever been arrested?Legal Have you ever been convicted of x (fraud, theft and so on)?Illegal How much do you weigh?Legal Are you able to lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds?Illegal Do you have any disabilities?Legal Are you able to perform the specific duties of this position?For 20 more examples, check out HRWorlds30 Interview Questions You Cant Ask and 30 Sneaky, Legal Alternatives to Get the Same Info. If youre asked a question like this, consider what the legal version of the question should be, and then answer that instead. Follow our two guidelines above for exactly how to do this.Readers, have you ever received illegal interview questions? Tell us about it