interview question.. is this right? (applying, job interview, employers, job)

[yankeegirl313]

I had an interview today. She ask me if I went to church.
I didn`t really think that the question was appropriate in a job interview, or is it?
She also ask me twice, if I had any children? Whats up with those questions?

[texdav]

That is even a common question but slightly different in many security questionaires I have seen. Sane with children.Ever notice that alot odf survey question ask the same thing to classify you for stores etc. Even a bank account and savings tells them something.

[njsocks]

Originally Posted by yankeegirl313

I had an interview today. She ask me if I went to church.
I didn`t really think that the question was appropriate in a job interview, or is it?
She also ask me twice, if I had any children? Whats up with those questions?

1 WORD. Illegal!! I worked in HR and that is not acceptable !

[yankeegirl313]

I didn`t think it was necessary.... Thanks.

[b75]

Yup illegal...what is wrong with people?

[macroy]

I don't think these questions are "illegal" in the since that I can stand up right there and have the interviewer arrested or cited. The issue here is that it puts the company into a situation where they can become legally liable for discrimination. In just about every company though - those questions would be against policy... and one can very well find themselves on the other side of the interview table if they asked those questions.

In essence, its illegal to discriminate on race, sex, religion, handicap etc... (and even that has exceptions). So by asking questions that pertains to those topics, you can be sued for discrimination. In this case, should yankeegirl not get the job, she would probably have a case for religious discrimination.

Questions should always stick to the job. Of course, as someone else mentioned in a different thread, it can be hard sometimes when you are just chatting to break the ice... and those questions can often slip out..... "so, did you find us okay?....Oh, you came from xxxx because you had to drop your son off? That's a long way from here..... (oops)."

[Racelady88]

The only reason I can think of for someone to ask if I went to church would be if the job had Sunday hours that might conflict with church. Once, a very long time ago, I got a job because I answered that question with "I am available to work on Sundays".

Illegal to ask? No. Can you sue for discrimination if you don't get the position? Yes, but you would have to prove that you did not get the position based on the fact that you had children or went to church.

[jamesandveybe]

Originally Posted by yankeegirl313

I had an interview today. She ask me if I went to church.
I didn`t really think that the question was appropriate in a job interview, or is it?
She also ask me twice, if I had any children? Whats up with those questions?

They may be just trying to shake you up to see how you react to uncomfortable situations. You have to admit that is something they would want to know, and just asking you how you would react is not sufficient.

Granted, they are intrusive questions and not what I would ask an interviewee, but in today's job market, applicants should expect tougher interviews. If you are uncomfortable in the interview, leave.

Oh, and if you were applying to a faith-based employer, they can ask those questions if they pertain to their standards for staff.

[yankeegirl313]

I appreciate the comments. Thanks.

[vemureaux]

I think everyone agrees that such questions regarding race, religion, marriage/children etc. are not supposed to be asked during a job interview (unless it specifically pertains to the job itself). But as the OP stated, that doesn't always prevent employers from asking. So I'm curious...

How would you respond to such a question? How do you tactfully evade the question, and yet exhibit grace under pressure (in case they are testing just you)?

I'd love to hear how people successfully handled this difficult situation, or any advice on how to do so.

And Racelady, that was quick thinking on your part:

Once, a very long time ago, I got a job because I answered that question with "I am available to work on Sundays".