The final 3 TRIUMPH™ strategies are the most difficult. It is important to read the full series to identify the best approach for you and the specific interview situation.
5. Mention the error diplomatically
Examples:
Their Question: “Are you a U.S. citizen?” (for jobs not requiring U.S. citizenship, most don't)
Your Answer: “Yes, I am. I hope you do not mind but you may not be aware that the question as worded is unlawful. I believe it is appropriate to ask applicants if they are authorized to work in the United States.”
Their Question: “Do you have children?”
Your Answer: “I know we’re not really supposed to talk about these types of things in an interview setting, but I have one child.”
These responses should keep the interviewer from going any further with inappropriate lines of inquiry. It also shows the interviewer that you are knowledgeable about the law and able to quickly compromise and solve problems.
6. Politely refuse to answer the question
You have the right to refuse to answer an illegal question. It is understandable that you would refuse to do so. But bear in mind that there is a fair chance that you will not get the job if you decline to answer. You may or may not.
A flat refusal to answer may harm your chances of being hired for a position if the interviewer sees you as an uncooperative or stubborn person.
By selecting this option, you'll be within your rights, but you'll also run the risk of coming off as uncooperative, stubborn or confrontational - hardly the words an employer would use to describe the "ideal" candidate.
Example: If the interviewer repeats the same illegal question after you tactfully ask for a clarification as to the job relatedness of the question.
Their Question: You have one child are you planning to have more?
Your Answer: “I do not feel comfortable answering this question because it is not related to the requirements of the job or my ability to perform them.”
Start Taking Notes: At this point your should openly take notes including the specific question, the context surrounding the question, date, time, location, interviewer's name, witnesses (if any), business unit and the company.
Most employers will realize the potential consequences when you start documenting your discussion, and it is unlikely that the interviewer will pursue the issue further.
7. Hit the road - Gracefully and professionally excuse yourself
If the idea of working for an employer who condones the asking of inappropriate or illegal questions turns you off, and you know that you would not want to work for this company, then you may want to end the interview.
Example:
Their Question: What does a smart cute chica like you think it takes to be successful in this job?
Your Answer: Excuse me? What do you mean by this question?
Their Reply: You know what I mean. We have several well-qualified applicants for this job. What can you offer me that they can’t?
Your Response: I think I am ending this interview right now. It is not appropriate or professional of you to call me a “smart cute chica”. I am offended by the implication that I have to offer you anything to get this job beside my skills and qualifications.
Next, Immediately go somewhere and write down everything that transpired.
In part 5, we will discuss what you can do if you have been discriminated against at the interview.
You can read previous TRIUMPH™ series posts at:
How to TRIUMPH Over Illegal, Inappropriate, or Offensive Interview Questions - A 5 Part Series
How to TRIUMPH Over Illegal, Inappropriate, or Offensive Interview Questions - Part 2
How to TRIUMPH Over Illegal, Inappropriate, or Offensive Interview Questions - Part 3
We welcome your comments and suggestions on handling illegal, inappropriate and insensitive questions that we can be share with yur readers.
¡BUENA SUERTE!
Posted by Murray A. Mann and Rose Mary Bombela-Tobias
Principals, Global Diversity Solutions Group LLC
Authors, Barrons The Complete Job Search Guide for Latinos