Being asked an illegal or inappropriate question during a job interview
I have been on both sides of the fence on this one - before, during, and after working in human resources and recruiting and selection.
In the interview situation it is relatively easy for a skilled interviewer to "disarm" a candidate and then ask the "forbidden". I particularly enjoyed allowing the illegal question when I was being interviewed for senior appointments because I was ready for it and had a rapid retort that let everyone in the room know that eggs had been stomped on.
When asked, answer and simply, but rapidly, repeat the question back to the interviewer:
For example: You seem to have accomplished so much in your life, how old are you? Fifty-six how old are you?" (wait for, or insist on, an answer). This works with mature interviewers; it almost legitimizes the original question but lets the interviewer know that a violation has occurred. Embarrassment is very short lived; no further damage is done and the interview continues normally.
With immature (inexperienced) interviewers there are two situations:
1) You want the job badly.
2) You do not care whether or not you get the job.
Answers:
1) Does my answering that question mean that I already have the job and you are asking this of me as a fellow co-worker whom I have befriended?
2) My answering that illegal question will probably result in your being fired and the company being sued for breaking the law; do you really want me to answer (the question)?
THEN: Report both instances to HR management or higher manager.
It is important to remember that mistakes, miscues, and misinterpretations of intent can be, and sometimes are, made. Both interviewer and interviewee can get "too comfortable" with each other in certain situations. Keep your sense of propriety and your sense of humour...and don't forget to report violations of the law even if there are no witnesses. Those who intentionally break the law will always be found out if the rest of us do our duty to others.
Choices are plentiful and there is always one other choice: Leave!
-- J. R. Digger MacDougall
Human Resources Professional (Retired)
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