Interview Questions

How to Handle Inappropriate Interview Questions 

Internships have become, more or less, a middle ground for job seekers. Most of the "entry level" positions that are posted are geared towards those who already have an entry-level amount of experience. Therefore, internships have become one of the best ways to get a full-time job. Work for free, or for very little, for a few months and cross your fingers that the employer will find you
indispensable. It's not always an easy thing to make yourself so needed, but sometimes all of that hard work will pay off in other ways. Perhaps a couple of years later a job will open up and they will remember you. Or the connections made during the internship will lead to other jobs. But, what should you do when you go to an interview for your dream internship and the experience is a bad one? With the evolution and increase in the necessity of internships: internship seekers should not only know their rights in the workplace, but they should know what interview questions are acceptable.

Subject matter that is inappropriate for the workplace is equally inappropriate during an interview. If during an interview you feel that the interviewer is asking inappropriate questions or discriminating against you because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, birthplace, age, disability, marital/family status, then you have multiple options:

• Answer the question-If you feel comfortable doing so
• Refuse to answer the question-Refusing to answer the question is within your rights, but may also not work in your favor by making you seem uncooperative (double-edged sword)
• Restate the questions legally, and answer that question with the appropriate response - For example:  "What country are you from?"  You could respond, "I am authorized to work in the United States."

Here are some examples of illegal interview questions that were found through Business Insider:

• Is English your first language? -In order to find out language proficiency, the interviewer can instead ask about what other languages you know
• Do you have any outstanding debt? -An employer cannot disqualify you from employment unless it directly affects your ability to perform the position
• Have you ever been arrested? -The interviewer can, however, ask if you have been convicted of a crime
• Are you married? -This question is illegal because it reveals marital status and may imply sexual orientation
• What religious holidays do you practice? -The employer can ask if you are available to work specific days
• Do you have children? -An interviewer may ask if you have responsibilities that will interfere with certain aspects of the job, i.e. training and travel
• What country are you from? -The employer cannot legally inquire about your nationality, but they can ask if you are authorized to work in a certain country
• Do you socially drink? -This question violates the American's With disabilities Act of 1990
• When was the last time you used illegal drugs? -Although this question is inappropriate, an employer may ask if you are currently using illegal drugs
• What type of discharge did you receive in the military? -Employers can, however, ask about any military education, training, or work experience 

It is important to remember that an interview is more than the employer judging your potential fit within their organization. You are also getting to know the employer. An interview is for both parties to learn a little bit about the other and assess a fit. When you go in for an interview, pay close attention from beginning to end.  Asses the culture of the job, take note of their customer service philosophy based on their treatment to you, and how people are dressed in addition to their attitudes.
 
Sometimes employers are not deliberately asking inappropriate questions. Asses the conversation in its entirety. The interviewer may simply be ignorant of the law. However, if you believe that you have been discriminated against and passed over for a job for a reason of race, religion, color, sex, national origin, birthplace, age, disability, marital/family status, then file a charge of discrimination  with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. To file a charge you will need to contact an attorney.

Texas State has an Attorney for Students' service for currently enrolled students that you can always speak to about employee law. As a currently enrolled student you will not need to pay for the services of Texas State's attorney's. Requesting an appointment will be the first step to take. Continually, if you found the internship through Jobs4Cats then it is important to let the Career Services staff know about your experience.   

Created By: Alanna Gray