Fair and Unfair Questions in an Interview
Getting prepared for an interview can be difficult; especially if it is your first! Along with the application, the interview helps a prospective employer get to know you before deciding to offer employment to you.
Prior to an interview, you should develop a resume to take with you. Along with the resume you should have a list of both personal and professional references. The employer will need to conduct reference checks on you if your interview goes well and you become a potential job candidate.
Prepare in advance...familiarize yourself with the company you are interviewing with, and the job you are applying for; make sure you know what you are talking about. Walk the walk, and talk the talk...It is a good idea to review some of the most frequently asked interview questions; prepare your answers to these questions.
Interviews times usually vary from 30 minutes to one hour depending on the level of the position being filled.
Interviewers should use various types of questions to elicit specific responses about your ability to perform the duties of the position they are interviewing you for.
Federal and state law prohibit employment discrimination. Employers may not refuse to hire because of race gender, age, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.
Because of these laws, there are acceptable and unacceptable questions that an employer may ask on either the application or in an interview. A summary of many of them can be found below:
Employer May Ask:
What languages do you speak, write, read or understand?
If hired can you show proof of age?
What is the name and address of your parent or guardian?
Are you able to perform the functions of this job?
Have you ever used another name, which is necessary for us to know in order for us to check your work and education record? If you have, please explain.
Do you have any relatives employed by this company?
By whom were you referred for a position here?
Would you tell me about your last or present job?
Of all your responsibilities which presented the most difficulty for you?
What position did your immediate supervisor hold?
In what subjects did you excel at school?
Do you have any special knowledge or skill?
Where do you live?
What work would you like to do?
What is your strongest personal quality or qualification?
Do you have any physical condition which may limit your ability to perform this job? If yes, what can be done to accommodate you?
Do you foresee any difficulty in meeting this work schedule?
Employer May Not Ask
What is your race?
What color is your skin, eyes, and hair?
What is your sex?
What is your religion?
Are you married, divorced or single?
Do you live with your parents?
Do you have any disabilities?
What is your height and weight?
How did your husband/wife/parents/children feel about your prior employment?
What were the dates of your military service?
Do you own your own home or rent?
Who paid for your educational expenses while you were in school?
Have you served in a foreign military?
Are you pregnant?
How's your health?
What is your native language?
Click on any of the following links for more questions that employers may or may not ask:
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Friday, October 10, 2008
