Bad Interview Questions

Inappropriate and Illegal Interview Questions Interviewing for a job can be a nerve-racking experience. Even when the questions are straightforward, you may get tongue-tied. However, you should know that some questions are “off limits.” It is inappropriate for an interviewer to ask any question that doesn't directly pertain to the job for which you are interviewing. This rule is a little tricky. For example, it is fine to ask if you are able to lift 50-pounds when the job requires heavy lifting, but it is illegal to ask if you are disabled, or to test you to see if you are disabled. What questions should raise a red flag?







	Questions about your race, gender, national origin, or religion

	Questions about your age

	Questions about your health or disabilities

	Questions about your marital status or family obligations (such as if a woman intends to get pregnant or if a man has children)

	Questions about any arrest records (unless it pertains directly to the job)
	For instance, if you are applying for a job as a bus driver it is OK to be asked whether you have been convicted of a D.U.I. It is also OK to be asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime, but only if it is stipulated that answering 'yes' will not necessarily disqualify you from the job.
Nowadays, chances are slim that you will be asked inappropriate questions, but it pays to be informed. Visit the Job Search file “Sample Interview Questions” for tips on how to best respond to inappropriate interview questions. These Web sites may also be helpful. U.S. Department of Justice http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/crt-home.html Equal Employment Opportunity Commission http://www.eeoc.gov/ Georgia Commission on Equal Opportunity http://www.gceo.state.ga.us/