Inappropriate Job Interview Questions

[Josie-Be-Happy 11]

Unbelievable. Questions of this nature is discriminatory. Asking about when you graduated from High Schools provides them with information in regards to your age. It's also very inappropriate to ask you questions in regards to your personal life. Interview questions should be geared in such a way that they are related to the position being filled.

There are laws put in place to protect individuals from discrimination. Go to: EEO. If you feel that you have been discriminated, EEOC provides information on how to file a complaint.

If this is how the company treats applicants, I would hate to see how they treat their own employees.

Good luck on your job search.

[Know_Ledge 6]

Actually there's nothing illegal about asking whether they're legal to work. They're SUPPOSED to ask that.

The OP also volunteered the information about the gap in history due to pregnancy so there's no violation there either.

The questions following the volunteering of the complicated pregnancy WERE unprofessional (some but not all. Like asking whether she's planning on remaining in the States is a valid qn 'cause they prefer to hire people that aren't planning to leave) and more like a little chat than an interview. I personally am ALWAYS asked questions like "What brought you to the States?" "Where did you meet your husband?" "How long have you been here?". They're harmless questions in my opinion.

Problem is if the OP has already been rejected for the job it will just look like she's making things up. I would complain BEFORE being hired or rejected so there's no question about it. It could be the norm to ask SOME questions about personal life (like I mentioned are asked of me) but several of the questions are nothing to do with it (living with his mother?? What does that have to do with anything?).

I don't know if I've been rejected for the job but I wanted to get my thoughts together before I call. List of things to do tomorrow: #1 - Call HR Dept at Company X to report Miss HR Recruiter

[Know_Ledge 6]

I really wouldn't say it was "awful"... Awful would be ones where they tell you you don't fit the "image" and need to lose weight, or wear more make-up. I've had some awful things done/said in my time and yours was just.. odd. I would definitely report the girl to HR... preferably in person because it's easy to dismiss someone over the phone, not as easy in person.

It was a little weird but you have nothing to be ashamed about so nothing asked should make you feel bad. In fact like others have said you handled it admirably. Chin up. You will be asked some rude questions throughout your life here. Like I said before I'm ALWAYS asked about why I'm here etc etc and depending on how the person asks it i either go into details or I just say "I married an American and moved here" and then change the topic.

I said it awful because I have never experienced anything like this!! I was in shock but kept it professional and answered the questions while simultaneously contemplating how to make my exit. At one point I looked around to see I could find a hidden camera, cos surely I thought this was a joke.

Vanessa, I would love to report her in person but I don't have 2 hours to travel to NJ. It's like you read my mind because I was actually thinking about it

Weird is actually an understatement. I was totally embarrassed, but managed to keep a smile on my face. She had this judgmental look on her face and in her tone which kinda threw off the whole interview for me. How dare this girl judge me!! I remembered how she perked up in her chair when I mentioned I was pregnant....the questions came flying after that, because now, she was more interested in my personal life. And to think the first question after that was, " So you were married to your husband at that time?"...How dare you woman!! Do you know me?! Do you know anything about my life?!!

Sorry for the long post Vanessa, but I'm really upset about some of these questions and I like I said before, this was my first experience and I'm still in shock.

I know this happened for reason, because if this were to ever happen again, I know I would be prepared to answer accordingly. Like you said "You will be asked some rude questions throughout your life here".

[X Factor 1,112]

Most companies don't conduct interviews like this. Very inappropriate. Do they think that because the economy is bad they can do whatever they want? Ridiculous!!!

[Know_Ledge 6]

She was a real #######..all the interviews I did in the area (NY&NJ),including the one that got me the job were done in an extremely professional way. I would have definitely walked out if I was you. Don't get discouraged though,you're going to have better job interviews experiences. Hang in there

I've had interviews prior to this one and it was very professional I was totally impressed!! But this one, OMG!! Even the attire was unprofessional, it's like she wasn't expecting me.

I was 15 minutes early and she said " wow, you're so early" I had to look at my watch to make sure i wasn't an hour early. I thought being early was a good thing, I guess not. Thanks for your thoughts, I'm definitely hanging in there

[Know_Ledge 6]

Most companies don't conduct interviews like this. Very inappropriate. Do they think that because the economy is bad they can do whatever they want? Ridiculous!!!

I know most companies don't, but this company (SMH)I can't even find the words. She really set the tone for them...

[Know_Ledge 6]

Unbelievable. Questions of this nature is discriminatory. Asking about when you graduated from High Schools provides them with information in regards to your age. It's also very inappropriate to ask you questions in regards to your personal life. Interview questions should be geared in such a way that they are related to the position being filled.

There are laws put in place to protect individuals from discrimination. Go to: EEO. If you feel that you have been discriminated, EEOC provides information on how to file a complaint.

If this is how the company treats applicants, I would hate to see how they treat their own employees.

Good luck on your job search.

I feel like I've been discriminated against. I have the complaint form filled out and ready to be delivered. My only concern is, she could always deny asking those questions. There were no witnesses, so it would be my word against hers.

Based on what I've seen and heard, they treat there employees like ####. Making them stand for 9-11 hours and getting only a 30 minutes break. That doesn't seem right to me.

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I feel like I've been discriminated against. I have the complaint form filled out and ready to be delivered. My only concern is, she could always deny asking those questions. There were no witnesses, so it would be my word against hers.

Based on what I've seen and heard, they treat there employees like ####. Making them stand for 9-11 hours and getting only a 30 minutes break. That doesn't seem right to me.

Would you want to work there then? Given the 2 hour drive (so not worth it to complain honestly) I would call and locate a manager, as high up as you can go. Let them know you applied for a position and are calling to withdraw your application as you are completely offended at the line of questioning of their representative and could not let in good conscience simply ignore her behaviour in case she subjects other employees or prospective employees in this manner. Try and sound firm but not too hysterically angry (which actually I did the other day when calling my agents to complain about THEIR behaviour.. I was just so upset at the time I called... and as expected they ignored me).

I would state that you are aware it is simply your word against hers but you have no reason to lie as you have nothing to gain by lying (you don't know her personally so it isn't vindictive and you are calling to withdraw your application which shows that you're not just saying it as an excuse for not being hired). There are ways to find out if she knows more about you than a typical interview should show (gossip type chats with the chick would work) but they're unlikely to do it.

They're unlikely to do anything about it because technically it's not illegal. She's just rude.

[LIFE'SJOURNEY 970]

You can always file a complaint with http://www.eeoc.gov/. Wow it seemed stranged that no one mentioned Euqal Employment Opportunity Commission. Their notices should be up-in all work places, i,e cafeteria, breakroom, HHR.

It might not be worth it, but I leave that to you.

[Know_Ledge 6]

Would you want to work there then? Given the 2 hour drive (so not worth it to complain honestly) I would call and locate a manager, as high up as you can go. Let them know you applied for a position and are calling to withdraw your application as you are completely offended at the line of questioning of their representative and could not let in good conscience simply ignore her behaviour in case she subjects other employees or prospective employees in this manner. Try and sound firm but not too hysterically angry (which actually I did the other day when calling my agents to complain about THEIR behaviour.. I was just so upset at the time I called... and as expected they ignored me).

I would state that you are aware it is simply your word against hers but you have no reason to lie as you have nothing to gain by lying (you don't know her personally so it isn't vindictive and you are calling to withdraw your application which shows that you're not just saying it as an excuse for not being hired). There are ways to find out if she knows more about you than a typical interview should show (gossip type chats with the chick would work) but they're unlikely to do it.

They're unlikely to do anything about it because technically it's not illegal. She's just rude.

Thanks for the tip. I honestly don't think they will do anything about it. I say this because, prior to going to the interview I googled the company and saw a lot of interview complaints some from as far as 2008(that means they've been doing it for a long time). I probably should have declined the interview seeing those complaints, but I like to form an opinion for myself.....and that I did.

[Know_Ledge 6]

You can always file a complaint with http://www.eeoc.gov/. Wow it seemed stranged that no one mentioned Euqal Employment Opportunity Commission. Their notices should be up-in all work places, i,e cafeteria, breakroom, HHR.

It might not be worth it, but I leave that to you.

Hmmmm, I was thinking the same thing, but maybe it will make me feel better

[Gosia & Tito 199]

Hey Guys,

I'm still so upset after leaving this interview which took place 2 days ago. This was the most intrusive interview I've ever been to and I almost walked out! I had 3 different phone interview and was then invited for a one on one after the third phone interview. Here are some of the questions that were asked:

1. Where have you been applying for jobs? (I had to give websites)

2. What companies have you applied to? Please list all the companies and the positions applied for.

3. Have you been called for an interview? (my answer was no)

4. Why do you think you're not being called?

5. What key words do you use to search for jobs?

6. Have you thought of applying for jobs below supervisory and management? (My answer was yes, I have)

7. And still no interview? (Her response was, "that's odd")

8. When did you leave high school?

9. What did you do after that?

10. Where did you do your internships? Were they paid? How much?

There was a gap in my employment history and I told her I was unable to work because I had complications with my pregnancy(this is back in my home country) and had to be on bed rest. The following questions were immediately asked:

1. So, you were married to your husband at that time? (My response was no)- BTW, I never told her I was married, she saw my ring.

2. So the baby is not for your husband?

3. When did you get married?

4. When did you come to the states?

5. So, you've been with your husband for a long time. Were you together all that time?

6. Where are you living now? (My answer was, the same address when I just came here, at my moms house)

7. So, you and your husband live at your mom's house?

8. How long has you mom lived in the states?

9. Did you always plan to live in the States?

10. Do you have siblings? How many? Where do they live?

11. Does your green card expire? (My answer was yes, after 2 years)

12. Do you get another 2 years after that?

At this point I wanted to take back my resume and walk out!!I thought this was another immigration interview!! She was sooo unprofessional, at one point she reached into her pocketbook, took out a jar of vaseline and applied some to her lip!! REALLY??!!

Guys, I've been adviced to report her to the HR Dept and file a complaint, but it seems like this is the norm for this company. What do I do? I felt like there was some discrimination involved and I'm truly hurt and upset by her lack of professionalism and invasion of privacy.

SOOO MAD!!!

I'd check EEOC site and if you believe discrimination has occurred, then file a complaint. Notice my underlined/bold at the end of the quoted lines.

There is sometimes a fine line. I do interview people occasionally and I make it a point to ask questions strictly relate to the position, anything else is not professional at the very least (outside of friendly chat that might happen at the beginning or end of the interview). I also never interview alone and there is at least one other person interviewing. When it comes to foreign people, one has to be specially careful, because laws and values are often (but not always) different and many are not used to the level of protection people has in the US.

If you do file, EEOC will investigate. The questions (except the last 2 that I can attribute to plain ignorance from the interviewer but they do need to establish you are allowed to work so it's ok) are borderline at least in my opinion, and EEOC might dismiss it, but the very fact you post here and note that you are upset is a good indication that there is something you are no ok with.

EEOC.gov:

"The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission enforces Federal laws prohibiting employment discrimination. These laws protect you against employment discrimination when it involves:

Unfair treatment because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Harassment by managers, co-workers, or others in your workplace, because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Denial of a reasonable workplace accommodation that you need because of your religious beliefs or disability.

Retaliation because you complained about job discrimination, or assisted with a job discrimination investigation or lawsuit.

If you believe that you have been discriminated against at work, you can file a "Charge of Discrimination." All of the laws enforced by EEOC, except for the Equal Pay Act, require you to file a Charge of Discrimination with us before you can file a job discrimination lawsuit against your employer. In addition, an individual, organization, or agency may file a charge on behalf of another person in order to protect the aggrieved person's identity.

Note: Federal employees and job applicants have similar protections, but a different complaint process."

[MIBEN 83]

It is odd to me that this happened and anyone can question if they can file a complaint. First find out what procedures that company follows, example I am in a job where Human Resources publishes the openings but the department does the interviewing process along with selectons. So find out if the person you spoke to was actually from HR or just a department representative in charge of doing the interview. I am in the process of hiring 70 employees, and we are prohibited from asking a person's age or legal status. What we do tell them is you are required to be at least 18 years old, be able to legally work in the US (we verify by SSN and state license because they only issue those documents after verification of legal status) but we can not ask because of Equal Opportunity. Once selected for employment then the HR personnel verify their age, legal status, etc... If it is listed on the application then we can ask so we ask about their education, experience, ask situation questions to guage their qualification and experience but we cannot in any shape or form base our questions on age, sex, marital or legal status. If the applicant opens any question based on those things then we can inquire or if they listed a reason for leaving on the application and it pertains to lets say they left the job to take care of their children. We can inquire what they have done to fix that situation so if they are selected for employment we don't run into the same problem.

Food for thought, in the future you can be just as patient but refuse to answer their questions. My first question would be what exactly does that have to do with the requirements for this job? It is not that serious there are plenty of jobs, in due time we all find the right one.

[newlyweds2010 208]

Frankly I don't see the discrimination, not until the OP is not hired due to the fact that she is a woman, she is not a US Citizen, she had a baby outside the wedlock, etc. The first set of questions is totally legitimate, asking whether she can legally work in the US and for how long, too (in fact, form I-9 serves that purpose). All other questions seem to me like a chit chat brought up by some answers of the OP (the pregnancy, where she lives, etc.) Also, what does it matter that the interviewer put vaseline on her lips (lips as in mouth, right?): is this unprofessional? I was on the east coast for a couple of days a few weeks ago and my lips got very dry. In sum, if you don't feel comfortable about a work interview, just walk out and move on.

[Mike B. 231]

Frankly I don't see the discrimination, not until the OP is not hired due to the fact that she is a woman, she is not a US Citizen, she had a baby outside the wedlock, etc. The first set of questions is totally legitimate, asking whether she can legally work in the US and for how long, too (in fact, form I-9 serves that purpose). All other questions seem to me like a chit chat brought up by some answers of the OP (the pregnancy, where she lives, etc.) Also, what does it matter that the interviewer put vaseline on her lips (lips as in mouth, right?): is this unprofessional? I was on the east coast for a couple of days a few weeks ago and my lips got very dry. In sum, if you don't feel comfortable about a work interview, just walk out and move on.

It's highly unprofessional. I can tell you beyond a shadow of a doubt that if during an interview I asked a female prospective employee if she has had sex/got pregnant out of wedlock I would be fired. In fact, I wouldn't even want to work for an employer that wouldn't fire an employee for asking that question. Before I am allowed to interview anyone I'm supposed to review some document with a list of questions and question-types that I absolutely must not ask. Most of the questions listed by the OP would fall into those categories. I'm positive I'm not alone.