You know what illegal question I often get asked in job interviews?
What’s your nationality?
I get that question probably because my last name is Greek, and was shortened at some point during the immigration process so it ends in “son,” which suggests it’s Scandanavian, perhaps, but I sure don’t look Scandanavian.
I usually just say “Greek” if someone asks. And then we move on. However, asking about nationality and ethnicity during the hiring process is a no-no. So how do you answer those questions if the question is far more than you’re willing to answer? Legal Ways to Answer Illegal Questions gives some great tips.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Just say you’re a US Citizen.
June 9th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I think I might get “ethnicity” just as frequently, which I suppose is attempting to side step the nationality—either way, still not okay to ask.
June 9th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Thanks for the article. I’ve been asked if my husband is OK with me taking the job in question and would it be a hardship for my family. I was floored!
June 9th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
That’s pretty galling.
June 9th, 2009 at 9:24 pm
The problem is, the ethnicity thing is probably entirely reflex. Weird last name, wonder what that is, you never stop to think oh that’s illegal to ask.
SA– My m-i-l was asked 20 years ago during a job interview (at the company I now work for, HA!) if she would be able to do the job since she had so many kids (3) and wouldn’t she be needed at home. People ask the stupidest things!
June 10th, 2009 at 6:30 am
I agree that it’s just about entirely reflex to ask. Much like the Dear Ms. Theologian question where the interviewer asked about kids in response to “cute kid.”
But I think another part of the problem is that many people conduct interviews who have no training from HR on the types of questions that you are allowed to ask.