How to Answer Illegal Interview Questions | JobSearchTV.com
By Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter
In this video, Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter explains how to answer an illegal question you might be asked on a job interview.
Standing Out on an Interview
Today, I want to talk with you about 1 of those tough interview questions that show up from time to time. The question is when you are clearly as something that is illegal. You know, “How old are you anyway?” Or, “What is your maiden name?” Or, “Are you planning on having kids now?”
Your variety of different ways of answering questions like this. The 3 basic ones are:
- You can answer the question. That just encourages them to try to go even deeper into the stuff.
- You can say, “You can ask me that question! That’s illegal question!” All that you’ve done up until this point to build rapport between yourself and the interviewer is out the window. You can pretty well kiss this job goodbye.
- You can deflect it. Behind the question is fear on their part. They have a concern about you in some way.
For example, if I were asked, “So, Jeff, how old are you?” I can answer that I am 62, or I could answer, “You can ask me that!” Or, I could answer, “Out of curiosity, is there concern that because of my age. I can’t really perform this role?”
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“No no no no no no no! Nothing like that. I’m just curious.”
“We just talk with you about my experience and how it could serve you very well.” That becomes one way to answer.
If your woman being asked whether you are planning on having kids any time soon, you can respond by not answering the question and saying, “I just want to be absolutely clear with you and Delaney concerns that you have that I am 100% behind my career. I am motivated and dedicated to really being successful professionally. I want to give you reassurance like that.” You can use your language to that effect, give them the 22nd answer that basically says that you are dedicated to your career and then you can pause and smile at the end of that and let the subject move on.
What you’ve done is (1) there is no legal obligation for you do not have kids when you want to; (2) if given the answer that you are hoping for. So they should be ready to move on.
Basically, again, to summarize, if you are asked and illegal question, you have 3 choices. 2 or bad, and the 3rd 1 always their concerns that in some way, you might not really work out because of, in my case, my age or a woman’s case, that you might be interested in having children.
Inconsistency in Resumes
[svp]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oed1ccoBR94[/svp]
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ABOUT JEFF ALTMAN, THE BIG GAME HUNTER
Jeff Altman, The Big Game Hunter is a coach who worked as a recruiter for what seems like one hundred years. His work involves career coaching, all as well as executive job search coaching, job coaching, and interview coaching. He is the host of “No BS Job Search Advice Radio,” the #1 podcast in iTunes for job search with more than 2300 episodes, and is a formermember of The Forbes Coaches Council.
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Still seems incomplete there are so many other illegal questions they could
ask- who do you vote for?, Do you use recreational drugs as a pass time
ect? More detail please
It is impossible to list every illegal question nor was that the intention of the video.I used several examples to illustrate how to respond to any of these questions.
Still seems incomplete there are so many other illegal questions they could ask- who do you vote for?, Do you use recreational drugs as a pass time ect? More detail please
Still seems incomplete there are so many other illegal questions they could ask- who do you vote for?, Do you use recreational drugs as a pass time ect? More detail please
It is impossible to list every illegal question nor was that the intention of the video.I used several examples to illustrate how to respond to any of these questions.
how about if they try to dig in to a medical condition you have had that’s
kept you out of work for a long period of time. I rather not be to specific
with an interviewer.but want to tell them when ask about work gaps ,would
appreciate any advice .
Consider saying the truth but gently. ” I had an illness that required that I take a lengthy hiatus from work. I’m fine now and looking forward to giving 137% (pick an odd number. It will get their attention and distract them to something different).
how about if they try to dig in to a medical condition you have had that’s kept you out of work for a long period of time. I rather not be to specific with an interviewer.but want to tell them when ask about work gaps ,would appreciate any advice .
how about if they try to dig in to a medical condition you have had that’s kept you out of work for a long period of time. I rather not be to specific with an interviewer.but want to tell them when ask about work gaps ,would appreciate any advice .
Consider saying the truth but gently. ” I had an illness that required that I take a lengthy hiatus from work. I’m fine now and looking forward to giving 137% (pick an odd number. It will get their attention and distract them to something different).
Thank you so much. I have got the last two jobs I applied for in the past
because of your videos. I hoping third is the charm. You are really good at
what you do for sure .I have learned a lot more about this process.
Shane, thanks for telling me; I’m going to put your quote up on JobSearchCoachingHQ.com (No name). I really appreciate you sharing how I’ve helped you. It starts my day off with a big smile!
BTW, if this interview doesn;t work out, join me at http://www.JobSearchCoachingHQ.com a site where I have curated the best of my content PLUS you can schedule time with me to ask questions.
Thank you so much. I have got the last two jobs I applied for in the past because of your videos. I hoping third is the charm. You are really good at what you do for sure .I have learned a lot more about this process.
Thank you so much. I have got the last two jobs I applied for in the past because of your videos. I hoping third is the charm. You are really good at what you do for sure .I have learned a lot more about this process.
Shane, thanks for telling me; I’m going to put your quote up on JobSearchCoachingHQ.com (No name). I really appreciate you sharing how I’ve helped you. It starts my day off with a big smile!
BTW, if this interview doesn;t work out, join me at http://www.JobSearchCoachingHQ.com a site where I have curated the best of my content PLUS you can schedule time with me to ask questions.