It may help to know a little bit about the kinds of questions that can be considered discriminatory, and the reasons why they have often been asked. Having this information will help you think about how you might respond.
Caution: We make no pretense of being lawyers. Detailed information on applicable laws may be sought through the Fair Employment Practices Commission (FEPC), the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or an attorney. Your Career Planning and Placement adviser may have additional information.
Questions such as the following can, in some instances, be considered discriminatory when asked of a female applicant and not a male applicant seeking a similar job. Questions about: marital status, marital plans, plans to have children, child care arrangements. Understanding why these questions have been asked in the past can provide clues about how to deal with them now. Some examples:
Traditional sex-role stereotypes. Is the question relevant to the position at hand? Ask why the individual needs to know, and if the need is legitimate, attempt to accommodate it
Legitimate need for information. For example, questions regarding marital plans and/or status have often been aimed at determining the degree of long-term career commitment The underlying questions in these examples are legitimate, but the overt questions are not
Do not try to make an issue of the questions (even though they may be irrelevant and discriminatory). Make your answer concise; such as, "I have given my career plans much thought and preparation. I am confident that my personal plans will not interfere with my job (career plans)." This type of response answers the interviewer's question; however, it makes it clear that your personal life will not interfere with your work performance.
If a question seems discriminatory, try to determine how it relates to the job and then answer on that basis. For example, "Will you have to drop off your children at day care in the mornings?" might seem like a random, unnecessary question unless the employer is especially concerned with having you arrive at work on time. Your reply can be: "I'll have no difficulty arriving at work by 8 am"
Action Step frequently asked interview
Think about the following question which are among those likely to be asked in your interview. Prepare your answers in advance. Consider writing out your responses to help you fully develop them prior to an interview.
- In what school activities have you participated? Why? Which did you enjoy the most?
- Do you feel you have done the best scholastic work of which you are enable?
- How did you happen to go to college?
- What qualifications do you have that you feel will lead to succession your career?
- What have you learned from some of the jobs you have had?
- What kind of boss do you prefer?
- How did previous employers treat you?
- What kind of work interests you?
- Are you willing to travel?
- Are you willing to work overtime?
- What have you done that shows initiative and willingness to work?
- What kinds of books have you read?
- Have you plans for graduate study?
- What do you like about work?
- With what kinds of people do you work best?
- Action Step interviewing role play
Have your friend play the interviewer. Provide him or her with information about the organization and the position for which you will be interviewing.
Ask your friend to use some of the frequently asked questions above. If possible, video-tape the practice session and critique it together following the interview. Use the following check list if you are able to video-the practice interview, or discuss these questions with your friend to learn his or her impression of your interview style:
- Are your entrance and handshake positive?
- Do you appear to be poised and self-assured?
- Is your grooming up to your standards?
- Do you think you project a positive image of yourself?
- Could you have dealt more effectively with questions that were asked?
- What does your body language say?
- Is it passive?
- Does it project energy?
- Does it project vitality?
- Are you leaning into the interview?
- Are you establishing good eye contact?
- Are your hand gestures expressive-rather than stilted or exaggerated?
- Do you appear poised and relaxed?
- Is your voice well-modulated?
- Does your voice reveal your true vitality?
- Are you communicating in complete sentences?
- Are you contributing important information about yourself?
- Are you a good listener?
- Does your exit leave a positive impression?
An interview should be an exchange of information. You should have questions formulated to ask an interviewer so that you can make an intelligent decision about accepting the position if offered. If you do not get a chance to ask questions during the main portion of the interview, you will likely have a chance at the end of your discussion. The specific questions you should ask will vary from organization to organization, but be sure to ask questions that focus on the job, its responsibilities and opportunities. Questions about benefits, vacation, etc. are better asked doing subsequent interviews or after a job have been offered.
Action Step Questions to ask in interviews
Review the following questions, which you might consider asking during your interview. Choose the ones you feel are important to ask if they are not answered during the course of the interview.
- What are the day-to-day responsibilities of this position?
- Do you have a formal training program? If yes, how long is it and could you describe the type of training provided?
- How will my performance be evaluated, find how often?
- What would be a typical career path for an employee like myself entering your organization?
- To whom would I report? Under whose supervision would I be assigned?
- Would I be responsible for supervising other staff? If so, how many and what positions?
- How is the present economic situation affecting your organization?
- What are your plans for expansion in terms of product lines, services, new branches, etc.?
- What new products will be introduced in the near future as a result of research and development?
- How would you differentiate your company from your major competitors?
- What do you consider to be the major problems facing the industry today?
