Last month I interviewed for a large company. The interviewer asked me if I had kids. I do, but I know this question can be used for discriminatory purposes. So I politely declined the question, by saying that I was here for the interview and perhaps we could discuss our lives at a later date. He persisted and said "Well I have to have something to write down about it!". Again, I politely declined. He gave me an angry look and started tapping his pen very rapidly on his desk while biting his lip. So I very politely told him that interview question was against the law. He put down his pen, pushed himself up from the desk and said "This interview is now over. Please excuse yourself immediately." Can you believe that? I mean, I wouldn't want to work for a place like that anyway, but come on! I didn't think this sort of thing even happened anymore.
POST A COMMENTthe cynic(06/01/2006)
I've had this stuff happen tons of times. There must be something about me where people think they can just drop all boundaries and have complete and utter disrespect. I had one HR lady tell me that she couldn't believe that "You have your master's degree and you accepted a temporary office support position at 13 dollars an hour. That's strange and telling." (yeah, heard of the current job market, you stupid b---? People take what they can get). I had another guy find out I was engaged (my fault--he asked what I knew about the industry and I said my future in-laws own a business). He rejected me on the spot even though he was interested before, but after kicking me out of the room followed me to the door asking, "So, did you set a date yet? Going on a honeymoon? What's his name? Where's the wedding?" I ignored his questions and left. Yet another one was a recruiter, who commented on my age ("You're 26 years old and have NEVER held a long-term job? I got nothing for you, miss.")
Dharmadee(06/01/2006)
My favorite was when a mansger of well known Pharmacy/Drug Store chain asked me, on my third interview, if I had a problem with "overnight stays at hotels" with him. He said that there would be one room, (but two beds) for "economic" reasons. He said it might be required, and he just wanted to know where I stood. I told him that I did not think my husband would appreciate it, and that was the end of THAT job opportunity!
hr lady (06/24/2005)
There are about 10 illegal questions that interviews cannot ask. Most people assume the obvious ones like race, but also marital status, kids, etc...
Keachie (06/25/2005)
Congratulations! You just avoided someone that would have tried to make you miserable every day. Their officious response of "you may excuse yourself" reveals their true nature. Well done!
Mindy (09/24/2005)
If an interveiwer asks you an inappropriate question during an interveiw it might be an indicator of how you will be treated as an employee.
SouthernProgrammer (09/26/2005)
Good grief! You and I must have interviewed with the same company! On my "scouting" interview, I had barely made it through the door when the HR rep demanded to know how much money I would require. I cooly replied it would depend upon the job requirments. The HR rep SLAMMED down his pencil and snarled, "We can't continue until you give me your salary demands!" So I just told him what my current salary was and said the job would have to be at least 5% above that. So, MR HR rep snidely said 'They' are paying you a lot of money aren't they? I asked how much he made... End of interview...
BoneyardDiva (06/01/2006)
I've heard that when they start asking those things, the best thing to do is to just go ahead & end the interview. They don't like it when you refuse to answer questions...even if they're illegal questions.
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