Can they ask me that in an interview?
posted by Kari Quaas @ 10:46 AM
As the summer job season begins to wane and the ski resort season begins to wax (pun intended), you may wonder as you go into interviews what employers can and cannot ask you. It is a good question. While employers have the right to learn a lot about you during the recruiting and interviewing process, to determine whether or not you are a good fit for their organizations, it is your right to be asked questions in a lawful and proper way. During your interviews, pay attention to their questions so you can ensure that you are ready to respond in case they cross the line.
Here are some basic categories that should make your "red flag" sensor wake up.
For example, there are laws in place regarding a minimum age for serving alcohol so it is okay for an employer to ask you "Are you at least 21 years of age?" If someone asks you straight out, "How old are you?," they are asking that question illegally. You may for the sake of politeness say that you are not required to answer that question, but would be happy to confirm that you meet their minimum requirements.
The key is to never lose one's cool during an interview. If an employer's representative asks you an improper question, don't take it personally or get mad, just re-direct them and explain in a professional manner that their question is improper and you will not answer the question as asked. If the questions are extremely flagrant, you may simply determine that this employer is not the one for you. Remember that interviews are designed for both sides to learn more about each other.
If you would like to learn about more examples of how and where these interview question wires might get crossed, check out the following article by Lily Garcia on the WashingtonPost.com website.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/jobs/features/2007/interview-survival-kit/improper_questions.html
Here are some basic categories that should make your "red flag" sensor wake up.
- Family
- Religion
- Criminal History
- Ethnicity
- Health
- Age
For example, there are laws in place regarding a minimum age for serving alcohol so it is okay for an employer to ask you "Are you at least 21 years of age?" If someone asks you straight out, "How old are you?," they are asking that question illegally. You may for the sake of politeness say that you are not required to answer that question, but would be happy to confirm that you meet their minimum requirements.
The key is to never lose one's cool during an interview. If an employer's representative asks you an improper question, don't take it personally or get mad, just re-direct them and explain in a professional manner that their question is improper and you will not answer the question as asked. If the questions are extremely flagrant, you may simply determine that this employer is not the one for you. Remember that interviews are designed for both sides to learn more about each other.
If you would like to learn about more examples of how and where these interview question wires might get crossed, check out the following article by Lily Garcia on the WashingtonPost.com website.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/jobs/features/2007/interview-survival-kit/improper_questions.html
Labels: improper, interview questions, stretch-your-summer
