Career Advice - Job Interview Tips

What Potential Employers Can And Cannot Ask Interviewees

By
Relationship Advice Expert April Masini

I've recently started interviewing to try to get some more babysitting jobs and I'm concerned about what some of my potential employers are asking me. Some are asking really personal questions about my own family life, boyfriend, etc. Are there rules about what employers can ask potential employees without it being considered inappropriate?

Sincerely,

Questioning Interviews

Dear Questioning Interviews,

You don't need a license to be an employer, and most employers are not bound by any overseeing agency -- except the government. A parent who hires a babysitter is an employer. Because it's so easy and common to be an employer, it should be understood that most employment interviewers don't know which questions are legal and illegal. In fact, many people don't know what is appropriate and not appropriate to ask.

Employees are in a precarious situation when they want a job, and are asked inappropriate or illegal interview questions because to question the questions means to insult or offend the interviewer and put the potential job in jeopardy.

That said, it's really best to work for someone who is professional and is more interested in doing things legally. So, if you're asked an inappropriate or illegal question at a job interview, tell the interviewer that you think the question is either illegal or inappropriate. See what their response is. If they apologize and withdraw or change the question, you'll be able to see that this is an employer who makes mistakes, but also corrects them. If they discontinue the interview or don't hire you because you challenged the question, consider that job a bullet dodged.

April Masini -- nicknamed "the new millennium's Dear Abby" by the media, is author of the best-selling books Date Out Of Your League and Think & Date Like A Man, the two (just released) step-by-step dating and relationship manuals, Ideas for a Fun Date and Romantic Date Ideas, and the critically acclaimed dating and relationship online magazine www.AskApril.com.

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