Beware of Taboo Interview Questions
Nathan Newberger wrote an article about jobs at http://www.worktree.com. It’s about illegitimate interview questions and techniques on how to answer them suppose you came across it. This will help you as an interviewee and for interviewers out there as well. The fact that the US issued a Law about questions which shouldn’t be asked to avoid certain employers in straining future employees.
A) Why Employers Ask Taboo Questions
An interview is like selling yourself to your future employer. The employer will acquire information about you for him to know if you are qualified enough for the company. Initially, an employer who asks prohibited questions means he/she doesn’t want you for the job. These questions are what we call personal questions which are fit for a chat but not for interviews. Also, an interviewer who asks illegitimate questions is ignorant or is not knowledgeable on that field.
B) What are the Taboo Interview Questions
Taboo questions are something about personal profile, disabilities, weakness & strengths, race or creed and relationships.
Here are sample of taboo questions:
1. What is your height/weight
2. Are you residing in US, a citizen of US
3. When is your birth date
4. Are you gay
5. Are you Chinese, Japanese
6. Are you a Roman Catholic, Baptist, etc.
7. Do you have illegal records
8. Do you have children, Are you married
C) How to Effectively Respond in Taboo Questions
Do not be hysterical when the employer asked you a taboo question – that’s the most important thing to keep in mind. If you really want that job, you have to answer the question whether you like it or not, though suppose you have instantly changed your mind you can answer in a mannerly way. Perhaps you can say, “With respect, I decline to answer that question sir,”
All in all, it’s more favorable if you won’t act as an arrogant whiz interviewee who knows everything about right and wrong interview questions. You can simply ask the HR director after the interview. Just make sure you have mentally recorded the taboo questions that were asked.