As you feel the pressure of a job interview, you may not realise that some questions cross professional boundaries. Olinio’s recruiting specialists know that identifying and properly dealing with inappropriate interview questions is essential in your quest for your dream job.
This is why, in this article, we will show you how to navigate those awkward moments when the interviewer asks inappropriate questions. First, let us explain what we mean by this term.
What Exactly Is an Inappropriate Interview Question?
Inappropriate interview questions are usually of two types: illegal questions that violate anti-discrimination laws and weird interview questions that may be unprofessional or irrelevant to the position.
Illegal questions typically refer to protected personal characteristics like:
- Age
- Race or nationality
- Religion
- Marital status or family planning
- Disabilities
- Sexual orientation
Weird interview questions might not be illegal, but they can still feel uncomfortable. For instance, some interviewers want to know about your zodiac sign, eating habits, or personal lifestyle choices unrelated to the job.
So, how do you handle these types of questions? Here are our suggestions:
1. Refuse to Answer
Sometimes, a respectful refusal is the only way of dealing with inappropriate interview questions. However, you must show confidence and tact.
“I understand you’re trying to learn more about me. However, I am uncomfortable answering this question, as it doesn’t relate to my qualifications or work experience. Thus, I will refrain from answering.”
Give your refusal in a professional tone of voice and follow it by redirecting the conversation back to your skills and experience. Remember, you want to assert your boundaries without creating unnecessary tension.
2. Use Humour
Humour is often the best tool for clearing the air in uncomfortable situations. The right joke at the right moment will diffuse the awkward situation and allow you to avoid giving a direct answer.
If asked, “Are you planning to have children soon?” you can smile and say, “Well, if cats qualify, yes, I plan to adopt a few more!”
However, remember keep your humour light and professional, never sarcastic or dismissive. This tactic is most effective for weird interview questions rather than obviously illegal ones.
3. Ask the Interviewer to Elaborate
Sometimes interviewers ask inappropriate questions without malicious intent. In Olinio’s experience, many in-house interviewers are inexperienced or have little training. Thus, asking for clarification gives them pause to think and reconsider their question.
“That’s an interesting question. Could you help me understand how it relates to the main duties of this position?”
This answer accomplishes three things:
- It allows the interviewer to realise they’ve asked something irrelevant and inappropriate
- It gives you the chance to understand any valid underlying concerns that you may address
- It shows you that you may be dealing with a toxic workplace if the interviewer insists on the inappropriate questions.
4. Deflect the Question
Deflection is perhaps the most diplomatic approach. It allows you to acknowledge the question while redirecting to relevant information.
If asked about your age, you might say something along these lines:
“My age is not really relevant. What is relevant is that I have over ten years of experience in this industry, working with the technology and software mentioned in the job description on a daily basis.”
This approach works well when you suspect the interviewer has an objective concern, which can be addressed without giving a direct answer.
Let Olinio Guide You during the Interview Process!
Handling inappropriate interview questions is a way of showcasing your soft skills, such as self-advocacy, conflict resolution, and tact under pressure. This is why working on these skills is important, even if you believe everyone should demonstrate professionalism during a job interview.
And Olinio is right here by your side during the entire application process. We take the first step, weeding out toxic employers that overstep the boundaries of professionalism and common sense. Our specialists curate all vacancies on our site, so you do not have to deal with awkward and inappropriate interview questions. Visit our site and start applying with confidence!