Interview Questions: Illegal and Inappropriate

During practice interview sessions with clients, one of the areas discussed is that of "illegal" and "inappropriate" interview questions. For all the laws on the books, there are still times when the person interviewing you may cross the line and ask a weird, strange, random or unexpected question of the illegal and/or inappropriate variety. Maybe the person asking you knows better and maybe they don't. In any event, cleaning file drawers last week, I came across the "Weird Interview Questions 2009" folder. While some of them are not suitable for posting, believe it or not...here are a few of the actual questions asked of clients in 2009. You decide....illegal...inappropriate?

1. You mentioned you volunteer to help children...does that mean you don't have any?

2. I see you're wearing a wedding band...so I take it you're married?

3. Are those your real fingernails or are they fake?

4. You're too pretty to hire...productivity would drop with you around.

5. Now when you say partner, what exactly do you mean?

6. You remind me of my grandpa...he's in his 60's.

7. J.D., huh? What does that stand for?

8. We noticed you're driving a Mercedes...convince us you need this job.

9. Has it ever occurred to you to dumb yourself down a little?

10. Is that a real Coach bag, or a knock-off?

As a 21st-century job seeker, have you ever been asked an illegal or inappropriate question, such as the above? What, if anything, did you do about it? You can read and learn more about this particular topic here.

cross-posted at billiesucherblog by @billiesucher

Comments

[Alan E. Levinson]

Hello Billie-
Wow, those are out of left field. Usually, I try to answer the question behind the question if I can "figure out" whatever that might be. No telling with those examples!

As offended as I think I would be if I had faced those questions, I would try to "re-direct" with humor. Humor can gently side-step the answer, without revealing your own disappointment in being rudely treated. It also prevents the impulse to retaliate with your own rude remark.

Depending on how that all plays out, perhaps there is no future working in that environment with that supervisor. But, at least you were above the line and refused any offense and controlled your own response.

Humor is certainly NOT everyone's strong suit. Yet, if you are aware of certain possible "offensive" questions, you can think of witty responses in advance.

Use the above examples and think about a "come-back". Most of us have had the sensation of thinking, "If only I had said..."

EXAMPLE answer for #2:
Wow, I didn't see that there. I was just in Vegas and caught the red-eye back this morning. I hope I got a good 'un!

[GrrlScientist]

my answer to #2: "i just wear this ring to keep horny men from hitting on me."

i have been asked "Has it ever occurred to you to dumb yourself down a little?" many times .. but never have come up with a good response to that, except a look of pure astonishment combined with silence.

[billiesucher]

Alan E. Levinson....wonderful thoughts and quite creative response. Thanks so much!

GrrlScientist...one of my clients cited a response similar to your example -- (and she did get job offer, even though she turned it down.)

To both, I appreciate your comments!

[Kimberli]

See, some of those question are way out of line, and some of them it really depends on the situation. Like the Purse one, I if it happens while sitting down for the interview I would probably just think this person is new to interviewing... or just trying to kill time because they really already know who they are going to hire. But, if they are making small talk to or from the room to be interviewed in, then you shouldn't get your panties in a bunch because they could just be trying to be nice. And where I'm from people brag if they have fake Prada.

Weird thing I've been asked in an interview? "How do you feel about cussing?" I just smiled and responded, "If it hurts bad enough, I might let one slip... but I don't think it belongs in the work place." I didn't get the job, I'm guessing the boss liked to cuss. Ha!

[billiesucher]

Kimberli...don't know that I've heard that one before. Thanks for making a comment! :)

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[Andrew Racknick]

Wow these questions are righton the borderline as well as a few plain illegal to ask. Here is a listing of 50 more i had ran across which everyone may find interesting too: http://www.aspire2work.com/interview-questions/50-illegal-interview-questions

hope these help

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