HR AGENT BLOG
Thoughts and strategies related to HR Consulting, HR Outsourcing, HR Compliance, HR Oversight, HR Administration, HR Daily Tasks, Talent Acquisition, and Talent Retention...
Should I Answer Personal Questions In An Interview?
While some questions feel personal, not all of them are. There is a difference between an interviewer infringing on your personal life and one seeking to better understand you. At some point in your career you'll encounter invasive questions during an interview. Here are some tips to help you determine which questions to answer and how to address those that make you uncomfortable...
When Interview Questions Feel Too Personal, Should You Answer Them?
Not all interviewers are good at interviewing. The unfortunate reality is that many interviewers are ‘winging it’. Some are unaware that certain questions are inappropriate. Questions like – “Are you married or single?” or “Do you have children?” are not appropriate to ask in an interview. Should you answer them? Only if it is something you wish to share with the employer. I’ve heard of candidates being asked if they have children because the employer was starting a ‘child care program' and wanted to know if it is something that would be valuable to current or potential employees. Even so, you are NOT obligated to answer such questions. However, just because you are asked such questions, doesn’t mean the employer is attempting to do anything wrong. So, don’t overreact.
Some questions, while personal, are entirely reasonable. Questions like – “You’re originally from Michigan, why are you wishing to take a job with us here in Florida?” In cases like this, the employer is likely trying to determine the likelihood that, after accepting the job, you will soon relocate again. If you were to answer the question by saying that you’re looking to move to Florida because your boyfriend just got a new job there and you're moving to be with him – that would indicate that you are a flight risk and may move back home if things with the new beau don’t work out. I’VE ACTUALLY HEARD THIS IN AN INTERVIEW.
My Advise -
Never be afraid to ask an interviewer (respectfully stated) counter questions. For example, if you find that you’re being asked a series of questions about theft or anger (i.e., How do you deal with confrontational situations? Have you ever faced a situation where you and a coworker engaged in a physical altercation? If you found a ring on the sink in the bathroom what would you do with it?) it's okay to be curious about the interviewer's rationale. I suggest that you reply with an honest answer and further respond with a counter question like “Why do you ask?” or “I noticed that you have curiosity about theft or anger related issues, have you had such incidents here before?”. Carefully worded counter questions are completely acceptable.
Remember, the key to a good interview is to build a strong, positive and memorable rapport. Having your questions answered is equally as important as answering the interviewer's questions. And, most interviewers (especially those who are winging it) are all-to-happy to have some of the pressure of interviewing off their shoulders.
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Karen:
Let me start by saying that many interviewers ask odd questions for different reasons. Some interviewers are winging it and make up questions as they go along. Others ask questions that simulate 'difficult circumstances' to see how you handle them first hand. I’ve been known to do that myself.
The question “What do you hate most about your current job?” is an odd one and does have a negative feel to it. I’ve never asked that particular question, but here is how I might answer it – “What I think I hear you asking is - what has lead me to look for a new job? My job has been fulfilling in many ways and it was a difficult decision to seek new employment. What has lead me to this decision is _________."
Do you see what just happened? We’ve shifted the employer’s question from the negative to the positive! Now you can demonstrate how you’re grateful for the opportunity that your employer has provided but that you are looking for a role that will yield new professional challenges. Such an answer eliminates the concern that you’ll say negative things about your potential employer should you ever leave.
The question ”When given an assignment, which is more important. . .” is a good one. What it does is paint a seemingly impossible circumstance with no apparent solution. How you answer this question will tell the interviewer how creative you are at problem solving. As an interviewer, I might look to hear an answer like – “When given a work assignment, I would assume that my supervisor has imposed a reasonable deadline. And, I have great time management skills! So, as I work on the project, I would adjust other tasks and work overtime if necessary to ensure that I both meet the deadline and deliver perfect results. That way, my manger gets the work he/she needs in a timely manner and I get the benefit of knowing that I met his/her expectations.”
Remember, we rarely have control over who interviews us or the questions they will ask. What we can control is our approach to the answer. And, while the employer may show a good deal of concern over how you've performed in your previous role(s)...that is to be expected. How we handle situations in the past is a good indicator of how we will handle things going forward. So, take the time to articulate your answers and share a few instances where you've achieved exceptional results through your own initiative (i.e., the time you helped develop a charity program or when you helped your manager land a new account!).
Good luck!
I recently went on an interview. The questions I was asked were odd and negative. For example - "What do you hate most about your current job?" Really? What can I say that would be honest yet not negative about my job or my employer? And, if I'm truly honest, won't the interviewer be worried that I might say negative things about them in the future?
I was also asked "When given an assignment, which is more important - turning in 'less than perfect' work on time - OR - missing the deadline but submitting 'perfect' work?
I think the interview was going well, but again the questions felt negative and seemed to have no right answer. What is the point of these questions? Shouldn't employers be more concerned with what makes me right for their job than what made me wrong for my last job?
Karen S.
Silver Spring, Maryland