CAREERS NOW 07-13-08

Handling Questions That Shouldn't Be Asked

DEAR JOYCE: I don't think I handled it well yesterday 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?- T.J.

Not yet - you're the first - but I can understand how unfettered questioning could rebound. In previous hiring slowdowns, I heard many anecdotal stories of employers raising the bar for new hires. Apparently, when they have plenty of applicants, a kind of toggle switch opens expectation channels in the minds of some employers who, consciously or unconsciously, then screen for college graduates instead of high school grads, 35-year-olds instead of 55-year-olds, and so on. Laws of supply and demand, I suppose.

Here's the basic formula I suggest for dealing with illegal or inappropriate interview questions that are non job-related.

1. Pay careful attention to the question and ask for 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 interview often, may wander into forbidden territory merely because they are unaware of discrimination laws or are awkwardly trying to establish rapport with a candidate.

2. Take a few seconds to think through your answer.

Example: "What an interesting question. I'll need a moment to think about it."

Blurting out an uncensored response could show a characteristic of rashness 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.

3. 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, positive people. Smile.

4. 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?"

If you've researched the position, you already know the answer and can explain how you have the preferred qualifications with true experiential stories to back up your claims. If not, you'll have to think fast and take your best shot at showing you're a good match.

In summary, if you believe you're vulnerable on a sensitive issue, anticipate disqualifying questions that shouldn't be asked. Strategize ways you can quickly calm an interviewer's fears or anxieties and return the discussion to the job and your suitability for it.

If you do a fine interview and are offered the job, acceptance in what you worry may be an uncomfortable environment is a follow-up question. The textbook answer is no, keep interviewing elsewhere until you find a good situation for you. The answer in a time of continuing bad job news is 100% your decision. Some people, who absolutely must earn a living, suck it up and hope for the best.

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