"Sensitive" Questions Copyright Elizabeth R. Mitchell, MSW, LCSW

What can and cannot be asked in a job interview

Have you ever been caught off guard by a possibly "illegal" question? Or, if your have been the one interviewing, have you ever asked a question that the job applicant felt was offensive? Let's call these "sensitive questions." 

Some are downright illegal and some just should not be asked. If you are a job applicant, you might review these topics and think how you might respond if you are asked a "sensitive question."

In general, you should not be asked questions that cover the following:

• Age
• Place of Birth
• Date of Birth
• Race
• Nationality
• Arrest Record
• Marital status
• Sexual orientation
• Anything about children and childcare
• Height and weight
• History of alcohol or drug addiction
• Hobbies and sports activities
• Disabilities or physical limitations
• How you feel about unions

Perhaps the more difficult aspect of "sensitive questions" is how to answer them. Brian Mairs, About.com's former Job Searching in Canada Guide, offers the following sage advice:

"You have three options if you are asked an illegal question:

1. You can answer the question - you're free to do so, if you wish. However, if you choose to answer an illegal question, remember that you are giving information that isn't related to the job; in fact, you might be giving the "wrong" answer, which could harm your chances of getting the job.
   
   
2. You can refuse to answer the question, which is well within your rights. Unfortunately, depending on how you phrase your refusal, you run the risk of coming off as uncooperative or confrontational - hardly words an employer would use to describe the "ideal" candidate.
   
   
3. You can examine the question for its intent and respond with an answer as it might apply to the job. For example, the interviewer asks, "Are you a Canadian citizen?" or "What country are you from?" You've been asked an illegal question. You could respond, however, with "I am authorized to work in Canada." Similarly, let's say the interviewer asks "Who is going to take care of your children when you have to travel for the job?" You might answer, "I can meet the travel and work schedule that this job required."
   
   If you cannot see the intent behind the question, then ask "Can you tell me how this relates to my ability to fill the position?" Most (if not all) interviewers will reword the question as it relates to the position."

There are some "sensitive questions" that are perfectly appropriate to be asked. You might squirm a little and need to consider some possible answers in advance, but they are not out of bounds.

• Why did you leave your previous employer?
• What did you like or dislike about your last job?
• What type of supervisor do you like to have?
• Are you a team player?
• What was your salary in your last job?
• How do you get along with managers?
• Describe your strengths and weaknesses.

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