Simple Truths About Handling the 5 Toughest Challenges in a Job Interview

A simple truth about illegal questions is that interviewers sometimes ask them because they are utterly unaware of the laws governing inquires. Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking the law—just as the police officer says when you claim not to have seen the 35 m.p.h. sign while cruising along at 50 m.p.h. However, as noted in the prior discussion of incompetents, someone who is thrust into the role of interviewer may simply be inadequately trained, but may still be trying, to the best of his or her ability, to look out for the employer's best interests.

In handling such questions, there is a broad spectrum of possible responses. At one extreme, you could confront the interviewer by pointing out that the question is illegal, express your outrage that you would be asked such a question, and state that, as a result, you no longer have any interest in exploring employment opportunities with the organization. Clearly, this approach effectively closes the door on future employment with this organization. Is that really your wish at this point in the process? At the other extreme, you could simply answer the question directly, which may well involve revealing information that could be damaging to your candidacy. Do you really want to risk losing the opportunity for a job offer at this time? Most often, it's best to chart a middle course. Keep your options open for as long as possible, and don't close any doors until you truly have enough information about the position to determine whether or not you want to continue pursuing it. You can always turn down a job offer after you have gleaned as much intelligence from the experience as possible.

Another simple truth about illegal questions is that, most often, they reflect an underlying concern that the interviewer wishes to probe. If you can figure out the question behind the question, you can then find a way to allay the interviewer's genuine worry. Accomplishing this without an indignant confrontation avoids embarrassing the interviewer, and may preserve or even strengthen your candidacy. Although you may be well within your rights to protest an illegal question and create a stink, remember the goals of this first interview: to determine if the position and organization are a good fit for you and to get you to the point of receiving a job offer, which you may then accept or reject. Embarrassing or humiliating the interviewer or putting him or her on the defensive is not a recommended method to advancing your candidacy.

It may be that you find a particular question so offensive that you decide in the heat of the moment not to pursue employment with this organization any further. Before you cross the point of no return, though, consider the following:

• • Finishing out the interview on a cordial basis may be a productive experience that will enhance your performance in future interviews with other prospective employers.
• • If the offending interviewer is not your future supervisor, it may be well worth continuing with the interview. He or she may simply be an incompetent interviewer with whom you would have little contact once hired.
• • There may be other current or future positions with this organization that would be of interest to you, and in which you would have little or no contact with this interviewer.

If you are truly offended enough to want to terminate your candidacy, maintain your professionalism. Graciously state that you are withdrawing your application for employment at this time, and remember to thank the interviewer for his or her time.

Following is a chart that lists several illegal questions along with related questions that are perfectly legal for an interviewer to ask. Note the subtle and not-so-subtle differences between the two. (Note that employment discrimination law is a moving target; by the time this book is published, applicable laws may have changed.)

Sample Interview Questions

In general, questions about age, health status, and medical history often stem from the employer's perfectly understandable concern as to whether a candidate is fully capable of executing the tasks required of the position. When interviewers ask questions similar to those listed in the left column of the chart, often what they really want and need to know is shown in the column on the right. In any case, if you are asked any of the questions on the left, it's best to reply as though you're responding to the question on the right and connect your answer directly to the responsibilities of the position.

By far the most effective approach to handling illegal, inappropriate, or awkward questions is to totally bend them to your benefit—that is, to answer the question that you wish the interviewer had asked on the same topic. This requires quick thinking on your part, but it can be highly effective in refocusing the conversation and showing you in your best light. The following tips provide two excellent examples.