Job Interview

Why they ask it:
Like Question #1, this sometimes comes up in casual conversation during an interview with the interviewer not realizing that it’s an illegal question.

In other cases, the interviewer is trying to figure out the candidate’s commitments outside of work. People with school aged children occasionally take time off when their kids are sick or the school is closed. They may have restricted schedules due to child care arrangements.

How to answer it:  Read more... (248 words, 2 images, estimated 1:0 mins reading time)

Why they ask it:

Sometimes, the interviewer will ask it by mistake because they’re just trying to develop rapport with the candidate. In some rare instances, the interviewer may be attracted the candidate but most people in a position that requires interviewing are professional enough to never do this.

In other cases, the interviewer might be probing for information about the candidate’s commitments outside of work. In some people’s minds, single people are typically able to work longer hours, travel more often and can put their jobs ahead of their personal lives.  Read more... (409 words, 2 images, estimated 1:38 mins reading time)

Are you married? Do you have children? You have an interesting name, what is the origin of that name? Are you a U.S. citizen?

These are all questions that we’re often asked in everyday conversations, but what many people are unaware of is that they’re illegal to ask during a job interview. Sometimes, these questions are asked because the potential employer is trying to figure out if a candidate will be able to fulfill their duties. Other times, the interviewer is completely unaware that he or she has asked an illegal question and is just trying to make pleasant conversation.  Read more... (166 words, 2 images, estimated 40 secs reading time)