Interviews are never easy. No matter how prepared you think you are, if you are not confident enough, there is always a chance that you will mess up the interview. But, there is always a chance to recover if you stumble during an interview. Confidence and your ability to answer appropriately will actually make a difference.
But, what if you are asked an inappropriate question? What if a question busted your confidence because you were not sure if there is a need to answer it? What if you felt angry because the question asked by the interviewer was out of context and not related to your job?
I am sure everyone goes through a lot of practice before interview by studying commonly asked questions and answering them. But do you guys have any idea on how to respond when you are asked an inappropriate question?
There are many topics which should be considered off-limits during a job interview. Inappropriate or illegal interview questions should never pop-up, but you need to be prepared if they do. If you feel the questions asked by the interviewer are too personal or could be used to discriminate against you, then you don’t have to answer them. Some of the questions can make a candidate feel embarrassed, awkward and confused even when asked by the interviewer innocently.
Here’s more information on what questions the interviewer can and cannot ask, and how you can respond to an inappropriate or illegal question:
1) What is Your Age?
Asking about your age cannot be considered an illegal question but the interviewer always has your resume in his hands during the interview. Then why ask if it’s clearly written on your CV. Yes, the interviewer has the right to ask if the candidate has failed to provide appropriate papers or information. There are instances when the interviewer has to determine the age of the job applicant. They are:
• If it’s a specific job that requires a person older than a specific age.
• To make sure if the interviewee is below the regular retirement age.
However, the interviewer can’t ask you directly:
• How old are you?
• What is your DOB?
If asked, you can choose not to answer or answer sincerely like, “My age will not be an issue in the performance of the duties of this job.”
2) What is Your Financial Status?
A hiring manager cannot ask about your financial status or credit rating during the course of an interview. If asked, you may choose not to answer by saying “I don’t think we need to talk about this. I’d prefer to answer to the questions that are related to the job and your organization”. However, an exception can be made in case if you are applying for a financial and banking position.
3) Were You Involved in Any Criminal Acts Before?
If you are applying for a job that requires handling of money or merchandise, then you can legally be asked if you’ve ever been convicted of theft. Your job involves handling cash and assets, so this is an appropriate question and you have every responsibility to answer it.
You cannot be asked about arrests without convictions or involvement in any criminal gang, mafia and such things during your job interview. If asked, you may politely say that you do not wish to answer such an inappropriate or illegal question.
Conclusion
All questions should be about your work, skills and experience. Asking questions about ancestry, religion, citizenship, gender and family status are also termed as illegal. The interviewer does not have any right to get too personal and you have every right to refuse to answer when an inappropriate question is asked.
About The Author
Liana Daren works as an advisor at Coursework Point, a firm that offers business studies coursework help. Besides being an advisor, She also runs a blog that talks about fresh grads, freshman career, etc.
