| Going to a job interview and answering questions can | | | | about actual criminal convictions-especially felonies- are |
| be stressful. But being asked certain questions can | | | | likely to be allowed. In some cases, such as jobs that |
| take you over the top into uncharted territory. There | | | | cause regular exposure to children, they may be |
| are firm rules and laws about interviews and what | | | | required. |
| questions cannot legitimately be asked. Knowing those | | | | What is your race? |
| rules and laws can save your job prospects. Or they | | | | Some questions about race and ethnic background |
| can put the interviewer into hot water. | | | | are allowed--but they are limited. |
| Some questions are illegal in most interview situations: | | | | Are you married? Do you take care of your children |
| What are your disabilities or health problems? | | | | or aging parents? |
| The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) makes it | | | | This can be a touchy area, even though it is not clearly |
| illegal to ask most questions about disabilities. Asking | | | | illegal. If the questions are asked as part of a pattern |
| for a medical exam before a job offer is made is also | | | | of discriminating against women, they are not |
| illegal. Except in very, very limited cases it's also illegal | | | | permissible. |
| to ask about the last time you were hospitalized or if | | | | Questions about marriage are usually not covered by |
| you ever has psychiatry treatments. | | | | federal law. Many times they are covered by state |
| An interviewer is permitted to ask about health issues | | | | law. |
| or disabilities which will clearly interfere with job | | | | How to answer |
| performance. If you can't lift the weight of objects you | | | | There is no single correct way to answer an illegal or |
| will deal with on the job, the employer is entitled to | | | | borderline question asked in a job interview. A lot of |
| know. Same goes for your mobility, if the job requires | | | | judgment is involved. Here are some options to |
| you to go from one place to another under your own | | | | consider: |
| power. | | | | --One way is to answer completely. Shape your |
| Once an actual job offer is made the employer may | | | | answer so it shows your strengths and skills. You may |
| inquire about disabilities--if they will interfere with job | | | | possibly want to show the interviewer that you are |
| performance and if reasonable accommodations must | | | | good at answering tough questions without losing your |
| be made. | | | | concentration or poise. |
| Your age? | | | | --Make your answers as brief as possible. A brief |
| Most of the time this question is not permitted. The | | | | answer gives the interviewer less rope with which to |
| Age Discrimination in Employment Act was written to | | | | hang you. Some people think a quick, humorous |
| protect those age 40 and over. There are a few | | | | answer works. But that depends on a lot, such as your |
| legitimate exceptions. Some jobs have legal age limits. | | | | skill being a humorist--a skill not everyone has. |
| Some jobs require physical skills only younger people | | | | --Do not answer a question you are sure is over the |
| have. | | | | line. Before the interview prepare a polite way of |
| Are you a US citizen? | | | | refusing to answer a loaded question. You might say |
| Most jobs should be open to anyone who qualifies, | | | | something like: "As far as I can tell that question |
| whether or not they are US citizens. Some jobs | | | | doesn't have anything to do with my job qualifications." |
| involve national security. In those cases citizenship may | | | | Responding with a smile is usually better than |
| be a legitimate issue. A worker's authorization to work | | | | responding with hostility. Make sure you do not lie. Lies |
| in the US--holding a green card, for instance--is usually | | | | can come back to haunt you since they are a |
| a permissible question. | | | | legitimate ground to fire you if you get the job and are |
| Questions that are on the legal edge | | | | found out later. |
| Some questions are legal, but if handled poorly could | | | | --Inquire how the question relates to the job. Do this as |
| result in bias, which is not legal. | | | | politely and pleasantly as possible. Your first reaction to |
| What is your religion? | | | | the question may be negative. But it is possible the |
| If the job is for the position as a congregation leader of | | | | interviewer can explain a legitimate need for the |
| a particular religion, that question can be asked. But | | | | question. So make sure you do not box yourself in by |
| most jobs by far are beyond the realm where religious | | | | being too defensive or accusing. |
| membership can be asked. Title VII of the Civil Rights | | | | If you think something bad happened in the interview |
| Act of 1964 covers religious discrimination. For | | | | It is a very good idea to make careful notes about the |
| example, a clerk at a store that is run by a church is a | | | | interview as soon as possible. If you ever file a |
| job that does not require religious membership, so | | | | complaint or do something legal to protect your rights, |
| religion cannot be asked for that job. | | | | your notes could be your best defense. Write down |
| What is your arrest record? What is your conviction | | | | the time you make your notes. If your notes are made |
| record? | | | | within minutes of the meeting, they are more valuable |
| The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission has | | | | than if you wait a week to write something down. |
| ruled that such questions are not allowed. Questions | | | | |