I don't think I handled it well in a job interview when I was asked if I attended the gay pride parade this year. Are your readers telling you about a resurgence of illegal interview questions now that jobs are harder to get?
Not yet – you're the first – but I can understand how unfettered questioning could rebound. In previous hiring slowdowns, I heard of many employers raising the bar for new hires.
Here's the formula I suggest for dealing with illegal or inappropriate interview questions that aren't job-related.
Pay careful attention to the question. Ask for a confirmation of your understanding.
Example: "That's an unusual question. Why do you ask? Can you clarify for me so that I can address any concern you may have about my ability to do a super job here?"
Employers, especially those who do not conduct interviews often, may wander into forbidden territory merely because they are unaware of discrimination laws or are awkwardly trying to establish rapport with a candidate.
Take a few seconds before you answer. Example: "What an interesting question. I'll need a moment to think about it."
Blurting out an uncensored response could be seen as rash when the interviewer intended no discrimination. You'll find out soon enough if you're being interviewed by a person of bias. If so, you can gather your dignity, say thanks for the interview and head straight for your computer to file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
Be positive in your answer. And be brief. Example: "That question seems to be on the personal side, and I want to assure you that I'm the best person you could find for this job. I wouldn't want to be shut out of a job that's perfect for me because I'm not gay, and I wouldn't want to be shut out because I am gay. I'm a great match for the position, and I'll contribute to your bottom line by making (or saving) money for you."
Employers prefer to hire happy people. Smile. Ask a question to refocus the interview on your qualifications for the job.
Example: "That was a good point. Tell me, what is the most important qualification you seek for the person hired for this position?" A variation: "What do you hope the person you hire for this position will achieve in the first 60 days?"
Tribune Media Services
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