| When you're applying for a job and get called in for an | | | | with the decision of what to do. While this can be a |
| interview, there are a million things racing through your | | | | very uncomfortable situation, it is important that you do |
| head. What to wear? How early should I arrive? How | | | | not provide answers to discriminatory questions. No |
| should I explain my employment gap? Etcetera, | | | | matter how badly you want the job, it is in your best |
| etcetera. With all the things to consider, it probably | | | | interest to do one of the following options: |
| doesn't even enter your consciousness that the | | | | Your first option would is to avoid the question and |
| interviewer can ask you an illegal question, but it | | | | politely change the topic. Your transition does not have |
| happens all the time. | | | | to be seamless. In fact, making it apparent that you are |
| Identifying Illegal Questions | | | | intentionally avoiding the interviewer's discriminatory |
| It is important to be able to first identify what is legal | | | | questions can be to your benefit. If they were |
| and what is not, then you can determine what the best | | | | genuinely curious and did not realize they were asking |
| way to handle it is. Any question which pertains to the | | | | inappropriate questions, they will quickly adjust and |
| following characteristics is considered illegal because it | | | | appreciate your cue. |
| can be used for discriminatory purposes.o Ageo | | | | If the interviewer does not catch the hint, and continues |
| Gendero Marital Statuso Birthplaceo Nationalityo | | | | to ask inappropriate questions, you have two options. |
| Religiono Raceo Disability | | | | You can either bring it to the interviewer's attention |
| Employers do not typically ask blatantly discriminatory | | | | that they are asking discriminatory questions and that |
| questions. More frequently, they will mask their intent | | | | you refuse to answer them; or, you can exit the |
| by rewording the question to seem innocent. Examples | | | | interview. |
| of such deviousness include, "how many children do | | | | Regardless of how you handle the scenario, you |
| you have?," "what year did you graduate?," or "what is | | | | should consult with an employment lawyer to discuss |
| your native language?" | | | | your legal options. Laws are in place to prevent |
| What to Do? | | | | employers from asking discriminatory interview |
| After identifying an illegal question, you are then faced | | | | questions and protect your rights. |