VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless1 The Job Interview Questions That are Illegal to Ask Mary Ellen Doremus-WBL Coordinator

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless2 Pre-Test  Are the following questions illegal to ask? True or False  What is your name?  Do you have physical or mental disabilities?  Have you even been convicted of a felony?  Pasquale, is that a Spanish name?  Are you taking any prescription drugs?

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless3 What types of questions are Illegal to Ask?  Federal and state law prohibits employers from asking questions that are not related to the job they are hiring for that include:  Race, color, religion,ethnic background, birthplace, disability, marital/family status, sexual preferences or age

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless4 Options when asked an illegal question on an Interview  Answer the question  Not all employers are familiar with the laws  Often asked in innocence  Answer the “intent” of the question  Example: If asked if you are a US citizen (illegal) respond that you are authorized to work in the US.  Be brief

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless5 Options continued  Try to change the topic and avoid the question  Ignore question and redirect to a new topic area  Point out that the question is illegal  Be Tactful  If interviewer becomes offended you will not get the job

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless6 Things to consider  Refusing to answer a question might cost you the job  Decide whether or not you really want to work in a place that asks inappropriate questions  You may obtain more job offers if you volunteer information that an interviewer can’t ask you

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless7 Discrimination  Most is not deliberate  Consider the intent  Court of law will determine discrimination and if a crime has been committed  Consult with a labor attorney to file a claim if you believe you have been discriminated against when applying for a job or while on a job

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless8 Illegal vs. Legal  When were you born?  What country are you a citizen of?  What language did you speak growing up?  Have you been arrested?  Are you over 18?  Do you have a legal right to work in the US?  This job requires that you speak Spanish, do you?  Have you been convicted of a felony?

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless9 Post Test  Can questions be asked about your race during an interview? Y/N  If you are asked a question you feel uncomfortable with should you walk out of the interview? Y/N  If you speak another language should you tell the interviewer? Y/N  If an interviewer asks you an illegal question does that mean they committed a crime? Y/N

VTP 566 Rockland BOCES The Possibilities are Endless10 Action Assignment  Break into groups of three  Group will be given three scenarios  Group will decide1) If Interviewer asked an illegal question, if so how it could be rephrased 2) If what Interviewee said was appropriate, if not, how they could have answered  Share responses with the class