The Job Interview

1
The Job Interview

• Questions That are Illegal to Ask
• Mary Ellen Doremus-WBL Coordinator

2
Pre-Test

• Are the following questions illegal to ask? True
  or False
• What is your name?
• Do you have physical or mental disabilities?
• Have you even been convicted of a felony?
• Pasquale, is that a Spanish name?
• Are you taking any prescription drugs?

3
What types of questions are Illegal to Ask?

• Federal and state law prohibits employers from
  asking questions that are not related to the job
  they are hiring for that include
• Race, color, religion,ethnic background,
  birthplace, disability, marital/family status,
  sexual preferences or age

4
Options when asked an illegal question on an
Interview

• Answer the question
• Not all employers are familiar with the laws
• Often asked in innocence
• Answer the intent of the question
• Example If asked if you are a US citizen
  (illegal) respond that you are authorized to work
  in the US.
• Be brief

5
Options continued

• Try to change the topic and avoid the question
• Ignore question and redirect to a new topic area
• Point out that the question is illegal
• Be Tactful
• If interviewer becomes offended you will not get
  the job

6
Things to consider

• Refusing to answer a question might cost you the
  job
• Decide whether or not you really want to work in
  a place that asks inappropriate questions
• You may obtain more job offers if you volunteer
  information that an interviewer cant ask you

7
Discrimination

• Most is not deliberate
• Consider the intent
• Court of law will determine discrimination and if
  a crime has been committed
• Consult with a labor attorney to file a claim if
  you believe you have been discriminated against
  when applying for a job or while on a job

8
Illegal vs. Legal

• When were you born?
• What country are you a citizen of?
• What language did you speak growing up?
• Have you been arrested?

• Are you over 18?
• Do you have a legal right to work in the US?
• This job requires that you speak Spanish, do you?
• Have you been convicted of a felony?

9
Post Test

• Can questions be asked about your race during an
  interview? Y/N
• If you are asked a question you feel
  uncomfortable with should you walk out of the
  interview? Y/N
• If you speak another language should you tell the
  interviewer? Y/N
• If an interviewer asks you an illegal question
  does that mean they committed a crime? Y/N

10
Action Assignment

• Break into groups of three
• Group will be given three scenarios
• Group will decide1) If Interviewer asked an
  illegal question, if so how it could be rephrased
  2) If what Interviewee said was appropriate, if
  not, how they could have answered
• Share responses with the class