Prohibited

Answering in a way that is balanced, yet still optimistic, is a good way to showcase some of your strengths as well as your positive attitude. You can also note how you might have met some challenges.

You can begin by referencing some reasons why you have been fortunate, like having a strong family background, great mentors, inspiring bosses, or a solid education at an outstanding school. Good fortune of this kind points to assets that will ultimately serve you well in your job.

Finding out about a candidate's native language may seem like a good way to find out about their fluency, but you may offend applicants that are sensitive to common assumptions about their language. Additionally, as an employer, it's not your concern how the applicant attained fluency in a language - just that they are fluent.

An interviewer may ask questions relating to the branch of military in which you served, and your attained rank. It is also legal to ask about any education or experience relating to the position to which you are applying.

You may not be asked about your type of discharge, or about your military records. Questions relating to foreign military service are forbidden as well. If you choose to answer these questions, you can indicate that there is nothing in your records that would impair your ability to succeed in the job.

Employers should not ask about any of the following unless it specifically relates to the job requirements, because to not hire a candidate because of any one of them is discriminatory:

☆ Race

☆ Color

☆ Sex

☆ Religion

☆ National origin

☆ Birthplace

☆ Age

☆ Disability

☆ Marital/family status

In a face to face interview, it is unlikely that an interviewer will not know your gender, but important that your gender not be taken into account in her assessment of your ability to do the job. You can't be asked your gender during any kind of interview for a position, unless it directly relates to your qualifications for a job, such as an attendant in a rest room, or locker room.

Under no circumstances is a prospective employer allowed to ask your height, weight, or any details regarding any physical or mental limitations you may have, except as they directly relate to the job requirements. If you choose to reply, you can state, I am confident that I will be able to handle the requirements of this position.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protection for job seekers with disabilities. It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a qualified applicant with a disability. The ADA applies to private employers with 15 or more employees, as well as to state and local government employers.

During an interview, an interviewer can ask if you are able to work during the normal hours of operation of the business.

An interviewer cannot ask your religious affiliation, or holidays that you observe. It is illegal to be asked your place of worship, or your beliefs. If you are asked questions of this kind, you may reply that your faith will not interfere with your ability to do the job.

An interviewer can ask questions regarding whether you are able to meet work schedules, or travel for the position. He can ask about how long you expect to stay at a particular job, or with the prospective firm. Whether you anticipate any extended absences can also be asked.

An interviewer can't ask your marital status, if you have children, what your child care situation is, or if you intend to have children (or more children). You cannot be asked about your spouse's occupation or salary. If you choose to answer a question of this kind, a graceful way to answer is to say that you are able to perform all the duties that the position entails.