Illegal Interview Questions an Employer Cannot Ask [So Dont Answer!]

Illegal Interview Questions an Employer Cannot Ask [So Dont Answer!] They cant ask that.Can they?Find out in this guide to illegal interview questions. It shows the illegal job interview questions.Those are the questions barred by the US EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission).Not sure what questions not to ask in an interview? Dont know the illegal employment questions from the legal questions?The last thing you want in an interview is to feel uncomfortable. If you know the inappropriate interview questions, youll answer legal ones with confidence.This guide will show you:Legal vs illegal interview questions forbidden by the EEOC.Off-limits topics that spawn inappropriate interview questions.Hidden illegal questions an employer cannot ask that may seem harmless.What to do if an employer doesnt know what not to ask in an interview.1Illegal Interview Questions and TopicsReady for the short list of illegal interview questions?Weve got all the no-no topics here, including race, age, disability, and religion.Want more detail? The next section shows specific questions not to ask in an interview.Illegal Interview QuestionsIt is illegal to ask a candidate questions about their:Age or genetic informationBirthplace, country of origin or citizenshipDisabilityGender, sex or sexual orientationMarital status, family, or pregnancyRace, color, or ethnicityReligionThere are exceptions. Sometimes the US government requires employers to ask about race, age, and other details. That can be for census data or affirmative action programs.Grey Areas for Illegal Job Interview QuestionsHeight, weight, citizenship, and similar concerns may count as inappropriate interview questions. It depends why the employer asks and how they use the info.Height/WeightFinancial InformationUnemployed StatusBackground ChecksCitizenshipMedical Questions ExaminationsThat covers all the topics for illegal questions to ask in an interview. For specific questions you cant ask in an interview, scroll down.Pro Tip: Which of the following is inappropriate to ask on an em ployment application: (1) How old are you? (2) Do you have a disability? (3) Whats your race? Those are illegal employment questions under most conditions. But for affirmative action use, all of them are allowed.Want more interview tips to get hired faster? See our guide: 50+ Successful Interview Tips, Advice Guidelines258 Illegal Job Interview Questions in 2019Its a fine line.There are dozens of questions you cant ask in an interview, and hundreds more you can.Which is which? As a job seeker, how do you know when to talk, and when to zip it?The US EEOC lays ground rules for illegal questions an employer cannot ask.Generally it comes down to intent. If the question could be a discrimination tool, its out.Here are 58 illegal questions to ask in an interview.AgeThe Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967 protects job seekers over 40. Age questions not to ask in an interview include:Illegal Interview Questions:When were you born?How old are you?Whats your birth date?What year did you graduate high school?Why does high school graduation date make the list of questions you cant ask in an interview? It can show your age.Can Ask:However, How old are you? And Whats your birth date? are fine if its a legal requirement for the job. For example, if you may be under 18 or if youll work in a bar.Country of Origin / CitizenshipFor most employers, citizenship makes the list of illegal questions to ask in an interview. As long as the applicants paperwork is legal, hiring managers arent entitled to this info.IllegalAre you a U.S. citizen?Where were you born?Whats your background?Can you send your birth certificate?How did you learn Spanish?Are your parents from the US?Can AskAre you legally allowed to work in the US?Can you read, write, and speak in English?Do you have any other names?If we hire you, can you show proof of citizenship?Pro Tip: Employers can ask about other languages if its a job requirement. (For example, translators or people who work with Spanish-speaki ng clients.)DisabilityMost inquiries about disabilities and medical conditions count as illegal interview questions. Employers are only allowed to ask, Can you do the job?IllegalAre you disabled?Have you ever had a workplace injury?Have you ever filed a claim for workers comp?Do you have a medical condition that would prevent you from doing this job?Can AskCan you perform all the duties in the job description?Gender / Gender Identity / OrientationIf the applicants gender is a bona fide occupational qualification, it can be asked about. Otherwise, these are questions you cannot ask in an interview as an employer:IllegalWhats your gender?Whats your sex?M/F?Whats your sexual orientation?How do you identify?Have you had transition surgery or treatments?However, employers can ask Whats your gender?If its a proven job requirement.Marital or Family Status / PregnancyQuestions about pregnancy, plans for family, children, and child care are illegal job interview questions. Can an employer as k about your family? Nope.IllegalAre you married?Do you have children?Are you single?Whats your marital status?Can AskCan you perform the duties in the job description?Nothing else! Not even if an applicant is obviously pregnant.Pro Tip: In some cases, even illegal interview questions can be legal. Thats if the question asks about a Bona Fide Occupational Qualification (BFOQ).Race / Color / EthnicityAn employer may need to ask about race for affirmative action programs. Otherwise, here are some examples of what not to ask in an interview:IllegalWhats your race?Whats your color?Whats your ethnic background?What nationality are you?However, Whats your race/ethnicity? Is okay for affirmative action programs, but never on the phone. If youre an employer, get legal advice before you ask.ReligionReligious organizations can discriminate based on religion. For all others, inquiries about religion are questions you cant ask in an interview.IllegalAre you religious?What religion are you?Whats your denomination?Whos your pastor?Can AskNothing!Height / WeightHeight and weight can tie into race. Thats why these are illegal interview questions.IllegalHow much do you weigh?How tall are you?Can AskCan you do all job duties listed in the job description?Pro Tip: In very rare cases, a certain height/weight may be a necessary job requirement. Otherwise, height/weight is off limits.Financial InformationSome questions about financial status have been used to discriminate against minorities. However, if they dont get at race, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, or genetic information, these arent inappropriate interview questions.Illegal Interview Questions (if Used to Discriminate)Do you own a car?Do you own or rent your home?Are you in debt?Can AskIf owning a car is part of the job, employers can ask: Do you own a car?Unemployed StatusEmployers can ask about unemployed status if they dont use it against certain races, ages, or other groups.IllegalWhen did you enter t he workforce? (This can hide age discrimination.)Can AskWhats your current salary? (In some states)How long have you been unemployed? (Okay if they reject all candidates based on unemployed status.)Pro Tip: Can you ask a person why they left their last job? Yes.Background Checks / Credit ChecksIf background checks arent used against a protected group, theyre not inappropriate interview questions.IllegalDo you own or rent your home?Do you have a bank account?Have you declared bankruptcy?Have your wages been garnished?(Using background checks to discriminate by age, race, religion, medical condition, etc.)Can Ask(Background checks are legal.)(For credit checks, check the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Consumer Credit Reporting Reform Act.)Medical Questions ExaminationsEmployers shouldnt judge if someone with a medical condition can do a job. Medical queries are important questions not to ask in an interview.IllegalDo you have a disability?How did you lose your leg/arm?Can Ask/SayH ow will you do the job functions?The job is conditional on passing a medical exam. (If all other applicants take the same exam).AddressEmployers can ask about your address, but they have to be careful. If they uncover your finances or family situation, these are illegal interview questions:IllegalDo you rent or own your home?Who do you live with?What relation to you are the people you live with?Can AskWhats your address?How long have you lived at that address?Whats your previous address?How long did you live at your previous address?Arrest RecordAsking about arrest records can constitute illegal interview questions in some states.Illegal (In Some States)Have you been arrested?Can AskHave you been arrested? (In some states, or if applying to a law enforcement agency)Have you been arrested? (If the arrest is directly related to the job title. For example if you were arrested for embezzling at your last CPA job and youre applying to a CPA position.)ConvictionsQueries about convictions are usually illegal questions an employer cannot ask. Exceptions are if the conviction is related to the job, or if the job is sensitive.Illegal(Any questions about convictions not directly related to the job)Can Ask(Questions about convictions for sensitive or related job openings.)Pro Tip: Custodial jobs can be sensitive because they allow access to a facility.AvailabilityAvailability questions arent illegal interview questions according to the EEOC. That said, they can be illegal questions if they could be used to discriminate.IllegalCan you work weekends? (Could be seen as asking about religion)Can you work nights? (Illegal if the employer only asks women)Can AskWhat days can you work?Can you travel for work?Do you have reliable transportation to work?EducationThe EEOC doesnt mention education in their list of questions not to ask in a job interview. Still, some education questions can uncover an applicants age.IllegalWhen did you graduate? (Age discrimination)Can AskDo you have a high school degree or GED?What school did you go to?What degree do you hold?Emergency ContactEmergency contact information isnt on the list of illegal interview questions. Even so, employers shouldnt ask it until after they hire.Illegal(Cant ask until after the applicant is hired. May reveal sexual orientation or national origin.)Can Ask(Okay to ask after applicant is hired)Military ServiceMilitary service isnt on the list of inappropriate interview questions. However, in most cases employers shouldnt ask about the type of discharge.IllegalWhy were you discharged from the military?Were you in a foreign military service?Can AskWhat training/experience did you receive that relates to this job?Why were you discharged (if the job requires a security clearance.)OrganizationsEmployers cant ask about non-professional organizations. If they do, it can be seen as asking about race, gender, age, etc. Here are some interview questions not to ask:IllegalWhat fraternity were you in?Are you in the local country club?Can AskAre you in any professional associations/organizations?Personal InfoTheres often nothing wrong with asking about other names. Some personal info can show family status, race, or other sensitive details. In those cases, these are illegal interview questions:IllegalWhats your maiden name?Have you changed your name?Can AskHave you worked for us before under a different name?RelativesAsking about family status isnt legal except when it bears directly on the job. Inquiries about conflicts of interest arent illegal questions to ask in an interview.IllegalCan you give the names of any relatives who work for our competition?Can AskDo you have relatives working for our competition?Do you have relatives work for us? What are their names?Pro Tip: Asking about family status can be a veil for age or race discrimination. Unless employers can prove a legitimate reason to ask, they shouldnt.Need to get ready for the toughest legal interview questions? See our guide: 2 0 Situational Interview Questions and Answers to Nail Your Interview3What if They Ask Illegal Interview Questions?Ick.The employer asked illegal interview questions. Now you want a shower or at least to wash your hands.What do you do if the hiring manager asks illegal job interview questions?In most cases, change the subject, then look for a different employer.If you feel strongly about it you can report them. Before you reach for the phone, consider:Most illegal interview questions are asked innocently.Many employers are ignorant about inappropriate interview questions.What Is the Most Effective Way to Handle an Illegal or Inappropriate Question During an Interview?When an employer asks inappropriate interview questions, take the following steps:Decide whether you want to answer. You dont have to answer illegal employment questions.Know that the employer cant retaliate if you lie to answer illegal job application questions. (That violates your civil rights.)Get a written copy of th e question. If you cant, write it down and save it.If you decide to report the employer, contact the EEOC office near you.If you still want the job despite the red flags, dodge the question or answer it. Either way, move on.If they hire you, keep a copy of any discriminatory interview questions. If youre fired later, you may have a legal claim.Pro Tip: Still not sure how to respond to illegal interview questions? You can always answer, then decide later if the hiring manager crossed a line.Need a job? Terrible at networking? Use informational interviews to strap on rocket boosters to your job search. See our guide: 15 Best Informational Interview Questions to Ask4Legal Interview QuestionsThe truth?Can you handle it?Employers can ask almost anything not in the list of illegal interview questions above.Heres a list of common legal interview questions you may face:Legal Interview Questions ListTell me about yourself.Why should we hire you?Describe what you do in your current position.W hy did you leave your last job?What is your greatest strength?What is your greatest weakness?Why do you want this job?Where do you see yourself in 5 years?What is your management style?Do you have any questions for me?What are your salary requirements?Pro Tip: If you get the interview, youll get most of the non-illegal interview questions above. Be ready. Come up with an answer for each, then rehearse.Want to be ready to answer the most common legal interview questions and land your dream job? Let our guide shine up your interview skills: Common Job Interview Questions and Best Answers5How to Ace an InterviewHeres a secret.Focusing on illegal interview questions wont get you hired.Now that you know your rights, dive in and ace the interview.Here are a few tips to make employers follow you like a World Cup ball.Research the company and use their products or services. Check them out in Glassdoor.Prep for their legal interview questions. Check the section above for the ones youll face. Bring your own interview questions to ask them. Theyll ask, Do you have any questions for us? Asking the right ones can get you hired.Check your online presence. One offensive joke on Twitter from ten years ago can wreck you. It happened to James Gunn.Use the STAR method for behavioral interview questions. Answer with a Situation, Task, Action, and Result.Pro Tip: Before you sit for the interview, take the time to make a brag list of your best achievements.They make the perfect answers to most legal interview questions.Now that you know how to handle illegal interview questions, do you need some legal ones to ask them? See our guide: 65+ Best Questions to Ask an Interviewer Land Top Jobs [Proven Tips]Key TakeawayHeres a recap of our illegal interview questions guide:You dont have to answer illegal interview questions forbidden by the EEOC.Use the general list of inappropriate interview questions topics above to know the questions you cant ask in an interviewWhat not to ask in an in terview comes down to intent. Generally, if it can be used to discriminate, its off limits.If an employer asks illegal employment questions, you dont have to answer. If you feel they discriminated, you can contact the EEOC.Did we miss any questions not to ask during an interview? Perhaps a hiring manager demanded an answer to an inappropriate interview question? Give us a shout in the comments! Wed be happy to reply.

Coachology Knowing when to stop and hear the music

Coachology Knowing when to stop and hear the music There is room to be true to yourself within the framework of a career. Today we have so many options that when we are not being true to ourselves we cannot really blame the system. We make our own choices and create our own lives. Its very hard to know what we want, though. So often our priorities get sucked up into a blender and spit out as a smoothie. I am having this problem right now with going to the gym. I was already just barely holding things together having added the blog on top of what I normally do for work. And now Im adding promoting a book. So it seemed really smart, one night, to skip going to the gym. I got so much done. Then it was four nights. And now Im at that stage where I am so used to not going to the gym that the smell in the locker room is going to bug me. But going to the gym doesnt just change my abs, it changes my mind and my heart, and it really disappoints me that Ive let things get to this point. So it makes sense that I was really touched by an article in the Washington Post by Gene Weingarten, Pearls Before Breakfast. With a genius combination of multimedia and journalism, The Post did an experiment with the world-famous violinist Josh Bell. He went to the subway in morning rush hour, unannounced, and he played classical music on his million-dollar Stradivarius violin, and left the case open for people to drop dollars. The Post documented the event on video. When Bell plays in a concert hall he makes $1,000 a minute. Heres how much money he made in the subway: $32. Clearly, not everyone knew they were hearing something special. And its interesting to read Bells candid discussion of what it feels like to be ignored when he has been the focus of adoring fans since he was a young boy. But the part of this piece that really gets me is the video of a commuter who clearly knows this music is special, but he looks at his watch, and he has to decide to stay or leave. It captures every issue on the earth for me right now: How to measure what is important minute by minute. I am certain about what really matters: Love, kindness, relationships, respect. But let me tell you something, those issues are not on the table 90% of the time. Its usually a way more complicated decision about how to spend my time, which is really adding up to how to spend my life. I have thought a lot about if I would have stopped to hear the music in the subway. The answer is that it depends on a lot of outside, mundane time factors. Like, did I need to run an errand before work. This weeks Coachology is about getting help figuring out how much time you should pay attention to the music. We all have music playing inside of us, and we all make decisions about how much to listen. Some of us have actually made it so we dont hear the music at all: There is no passion. Peter Vajda is a career coach with decades of experience who is great when it comes to helping people match their work life with their values and their passions. Peter would be a good match for someone who feels like their work needs more meaning but they dont know what to do about it. If this is you, send me three sentences about what youd like to get from 90 free minutes with Peter. The deadline is midnight on April 15. Hat tip: Ben from Amver.

Your Digital DNA - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Your Digital DNA - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career Facebook made available ‘personalized URLs at midnight on Friday. I got mine facebook.com/beverlymacy. Did you get yours? Another personal branding opportunity! Your Digital DNA As more and more people realize the value and importance of personal branding, I thought it important to take a step back and remember that your online/digital presence is absolutely necessary in todays business climate. What happens in Vegas, ends up on Google This isnt original to me, and in fact, Scott Monty said it, and its very true. There are multiple missteps you can make if you dont remember the basics.   Like your real DNA, nothing you put online EVER goes away totally. Lets take a step back and recall what Seth Godin, online and social media guru, had to say back in February: Personal branding in the age of Google A friend advertised on Craigslist for a housekeeper. Three interesting resumes came to the top. She googled each persons name. The first search turned up a MySpace page. There was a picture of the applicant, drinking beer from a funnel. Under hobbies, the first entry was, binge drinking. The second search turned up a personal blog (a good one, actually). The most recent entry said something like, I am applying for some menial jobs that are below me, and Im annoyed by it. Ill certainly quit the minute I sell a few paintings. And the third? There were only six matches, and the sixth was from the local police department, indicating that the applicant had been arrested for shoplifting two years earlier. Three for three. Google never forgets. Of course, you dont have to be a drunk, a thief or a bitter failure for this to backfire. Everything you do now ends up in your permanent record. The best plan is to overload Google with a long tail of good stuff and to always act as if youre on Candid Camera, because you are. Author: Beverly Macy is the Managing Partner of YM Partners and teaches a social media class at the UCLA Extension.   She also co-hosts Gravity Summit events and provides personal branding coaching.

Custodian Cover Letter Sample - Algrim.co

Custodian Cover Letter Sample - Algrim.co Custodian Cover Letter Template Download our cover letter template in Word format. Instant download. No email required. Download Template Related Hiring Resources Custodian Job Description Sample Custodian Resume Example

How to Price Resume Writing Services

How to Price Resume Writing ServicesHow to price resume writing services? This is a question that is often asked by companies who need a high level of quality from their writer. How to price resume writing services is a question that has a clear answer.Resume writing services should not charge below a certain dollar amount for their services. Companies should expect to pay a certain amount to get a professional's attention to a resume. These professionals work on a flat rate and offer lower prices to clients because they are providing more than just a resume service. They can produce original resumes for businesses in order to improve their professional image and for quick promotion.If companies hire an outside writer for their resumes, they should expect quality work. The person should be able to offer detailed instructions on the exact steps necessary to develop a resume for the company. A great resume service company will offer step-by-step instructions on how to write a perfect r esume.The next question that is often asked about how to price resume writing services is whether or not these writers use a system for pricing resumes. The answer to this question is yes. They do.This is a very important component of any resume writing service. The services company wants to provide customers with the best quality work at the lowest possible price. The writers are able to get jobs by offering clients the greatest benefit for the least amount of money. When you use a good resume service, you will save time, money and resources.For some companies, it is an expensive job. These companies will use this option as a last resort. They have other options such as creating the exact resumes on their own and with less time.There are certain professional fees that must be taken into consideration when choosing a resume writing service. These professionals will be familiar with the rights of the client and will have certain guidelines to follow when developing a resume. A resume service company will offer a specific fee for different types of services and will provide samples of previous work in order to compare the costs and benefits of these services.How to price resume writing services is not something that companies can take lightly. It can determine the success of the business. A good company will be able to offer the best service at the lowest price. If the business needs specific services, they will be able to find a company that offers those services at the best prices.

Is your attitude about your age stalling your job search - Hire Imaging

Is your attitude about your age stalling your job search - Hire Imaging As a career coach, I’m lucky to work with a wide spectrum of age groups. Although every single client has an interesting story and value to offer, I find working with people ages 50+ particularly fascinating. Part of my interest is in their different attitudes on aging as it relates to career â€" no, life â€" transition. Are you old or older? Last year, I had three clients with whom I coached on career transition. All had been downsized out of their jobs. All were exploring next steps. At the time of our work together, Maria was 59. She said she wanted to continue working in her field as a systems analyst. We prepared career marketing documents, and coached around her job search. Just three weeks into her search, Maria told me she had decided to retire. She said, “I fear I’m growing old and beginning to look and feel it. I don’t want to be 59. I want to look young and be young. I’m not. I would give anything to turn back the clock.”   Maria doesn’t accept her age. She’s consumed with regrets, and it’s getting in the way of her enjoying her current life. More importantly, it’s getting in the way of planning her future. Beverly, age 63, is a downsized educator. We updated her resume and coached around interviewing. She’s planning a trip to South Korea, where she will be teaching English. She told me, “The experience of working in a different culture in another country keeps me energized and excited. Every day is a new surprise. It’s very different from my old work environment.” Yet another client, Henry, 76 and downsized from his second career in sales, shared, “I keep my eye out, but I’m not sure if there’s a job fit for me right now. If that’s retirement, I’m fine with it. I always have things to do. I stay active. I ride my bike and hit the gym five days a week. I’ve got a zillion projects in my workshop. And next week I start classes at the community college.” Beverly and Henry accept their age and view themselves as vibrant adults. They are constructive, full of life and optimistic about the future. Maria is stuck. Accept or reject? Of course we all know that we have no choice but to age as long as we’re on this side of the grass. And I won’t deny that having a positive attitude toward aging and the shape your life’s work will take often requires a sense of humor and the ability to not be influenced by the barrage of mass media messages trying to convince you that beauty and youth go hand-in-hand. Last week, I saw an ad that said “Who doesn’t want to look half their age? Face it; a fresh younger appearance is a hot commodity.” But really. What’s the point of looking 30 when you’re 60? How sad it is to keep struggling for an image that is no longer you, rather than appreciating and accepting who you are now. In an era when these media messages zap us from all directions, we need to remind ourselves that no matter what our age, we all possess a unique loveliness. Find your inspiration How does one grab and keep that positive attitude toward aging? I don’t have a crystal ball, but I believe that having champions who motivate helps with any goal. With aging, my own personal inspiration was Helen, whom I knew through an international association of women dedicated to education. Helen passed a few years ago at the age of 95. During the five years prior to that, she accomplished a life-long goal of her own â€" to visit every single one of the seven continents. She did it. In her 90s. Not on a group tour but singly traveling with her sister. After each trip, she gave a program for our group, complete with her take-aways on culture and the people. I’ve some ideas on other ways to boost attitude on aging. Read books about people who have achieved success later in life. Seek out volunteer opportunities in the community, including libraries, schools, churches, the arts, or cultural organizations. Find role models in your town who are living full, rich, productive lives in their senior years. Talk to them. Listen to their stories. Take and use what inspires you. Take a class in something you always wanted to learn. Stay active. I recently started a yoga class where the age runs from 50s to nearly 80. Delightfully motivating and invigorating. Whether we are determined to stay in the workforce after _ (you pick the number) or retire at _ (ditto), isn’t aging really a process of becoming and continuing to meet life’s challenges and enjoy life’s glories? Beverly and Henry certainly are!

Summary Sunday Job Search Better

Summary Sunday Job Search Better Isnt it time you learn how to job search better? You may unwittingly  be making tons of mistakes, but here is your chance to turn your job search around!   Each week on social media, I share expert advice from talented career coaches and recruiters. I share the top highlights here. If you dont want to miss out, you can follow me on Twitter @careersherpa or on Facebook Career Sherpa. INTERVIEWING 11 Questions You Should Never Ask A Recruiter by Forbes Coaches Council Asking questions during an interview is a good thing, but asking these questions can ruin your candidacy for a job. JOB SEARCH 6 Right Ways to Use Job Boards… and One Wrong Way by Lisa Rangel | Chameleon Resumes Searching the job boards is a big waste of time- unless you are using these ways! CAREER The Top Beliefs That Are Sabotaging Your Career by Olivia Gamber | Social-Hire If you are not happy with your job (and most people are not), do you know what to do about it? You have to overcome that voice in your head thats holding you back from achieving great things. MENTIONS  Job Offer Too Low? Use These Key Salary Negotiation Techniques   by Hannah Morgan | LiveCareer Learn what to do before, during and after the job offer to negotiate a better salary! SOCIAL MEDIA Visual Content and Social Media Marketing: New Research by  Michelle Krasniak | Social Media Examiner Visual content? Are you joking? Nope. All the same strategies businesses use in marketing apply to you,  your job search and career. Learn what you can do to increase awareness of you  by using these social media strategies! Social Media Job Search Success in 8 Simple Steps [Infographic] by YouTern A picture is worth 1,000 words The Execu|Search Group