How to Respond to Discriminatory Or Inappropriate Interview Questions
HR Interviews
How to Respond to Discriminatory Or Inappropriate Interview Questions
Navigating the precarious terrain of job interviews requires poise and preparedness, especially when confronted with discriminatory or inappropriate questions. This article offers a strategic guide, enriched by expert opinions, to professionally handle such scenarios and maintain focus on what truly matters: your qualifications. Discover the tools to assert your rights, clarify ambiguities, and steer conversations back to your competencies.
- Focus on Essential Job Requirements
- Redirect Inappropriate Questions Professionally
- Clarify Unclear or Vague Inquiries
- Emphasize Skills Over Personal Matters
- Assert Your Rights During Interviews
- Maintain Composure and Refocus Discussion
Focus on Essential Job Requirements
Years ago, a manager came to me for advice after interviewing a candidate who was the best fit for the role but hadn't given the expected response to the interview question of "Do you have a reliable vehicle to get to work on time?" believing that without a car, the candidate wouldn't be successful.
I suggested calling the person for a second interview and rephrasing the question to focus on the actual job requirement: "Your shift is from 4 AM to 1 PM--are you able to report as scheduled?" The candidate confidently responded yes. Though still hesitant about how the person would get to work without a vehicle, the manager decided to give them a chance.
As it turned out, the employee was always on time, exceeded expectations, and even went on to win Employee of the Year multiple times. The manager later shared that this experience was a powerful lesson in not letting biases or assumptions dictate hiring decisions. By focusing on essential job requirements rather than personal circumstances, we open doors for great talent that might otherwise be overlooked.
Redirect Inappropriate Questions Professionally
Yes, I've had an interviewer ask, "You seem very driven--are you the type who gets along with authority or challenges it?" It didn't sound like a genuine interest in how I work. It came across more like they were trying to figure out if I'd be a problem for management. The wording was off, and it stuck with me.
I took a second before answering and said, "I speak up when something doesn't make sense, but I always do it respectfully. That's how I've seen teams improve and avoid costly mistakes." It wasn't the safe, yes-man answer they might've expected, but it was honest--and it kept the tone professional.
Now that I lead hiring, I'm very conscious about how questions are phrased. A question can reveal a lot, not just about the candidate, but about the interviewer too. I always remind my team that interviews should be structured, relevant to the role, and respectful of the person.
If you ever get hit with a question that feels inappropriate or off-track, don't freeze. You can choose to redirect it, answer on your terms, or even decide if this is a place you want to work. The interview goes both ways.
Clarify Unclear or Vague Inquiries
You have 3 options in this situation.
1. Clarify what the interviewer is asking. Make sure you understand what they mean, and get them to confirm that you understand what they mean.
2. Answer the question, assuming "good intent."
3. End the interview.
I recommend starting with option 1. Get them to repeat the question or statement in a different way, to make sure you are 100% sure you understand what they said and what they meant.
It's not always miscommunication, but miscommunication is the greatest cause of difficulties in the workplace and the job search.
Make it a habit not to let people get away with being vague or unclear, regardless of the situation.
Even more so when they say something inappropriate.
Emphasize Skills Over Personal Matters
Yes, I have encountered an inappropriate interview question in the past. Early in my career, an interviewer casually asked about my personal life in a way that had nothing to do with the job--hinting at whether my family responsibilities would "interfere" with my work. It caught me off guard, but I stayed composed.
Rather than reacting emotionally, I redirected the conversation back to my qualifications by saying something like, "I'm fully committed to delivering results and managing my responsibilities effectively. I'd love to discuss how my skills align with this role." This approach subtly called out the irrelevance of the question without escalating the situation.
For anyone facing inappropriate or discriminatory questions, my advice is:
Stay calm and professional - Don't feel pressured to answer something that makes you uncomfortable.
Redirect the conversation - Steer the discussion back to your skills and experience.
Know your rights - If a question crosses a legal line, you have every right to address it or even walk away if necessary.
The key takeaway? Your worth is based on your abilities, not your personal background. If an employer fixates on things unrelated to your skills, it may be a red flag about their company culture.
Assert Your Rights During Interviews
I've encountered discriminatory interview questions--such as inquiries about personal life or family plans--that clearly stray from assessing my professional qualifications. In one instance, when asked a question about my plans for starting a family, I politely but firmly redirected the conversation by emphasizing my skills and experience relevant to the role. I also asked for clarification on how that question related to the job requirements, which put the spotlight on the inappropriateness of the inquiry.
My advice to others facing similar situations is to remain calm and respond assertively, highlighting your qualifications while noting that certain questions may be irrelevant or discriminatory. Document the incident and consider providing feedback to HR or the appropriate channels if you feel comfortable doing so. Standing up for yourself not only protects your rights but also contributes to a broader push for fair hiring practices in the industry.
Maintain Composure and Refocus Discussion
Encountering an inappropriate or discriminatory question during an interview can be quite unsettling. I recall a situation when the interviewer asked about my plans for family and children, which is not only irrelevant to my professional abilities but also borders on legal infringement regarding employment standards. I navigated the situation by redirecting the conversation back to my skills and experiences, emphasizing my commitment to the role at hand.
If you ever find yourself facing similar questions, it's important to maintain your composure and refocus the discussion on your qualifications and suitability for the job. You can also choose to respond with a question about how that particular information is relevant to the job requirements. Remember, it's entirely within your rights to decline to answer questions that are clearly discriminatory. Reflecting on these experiences can also be a reminder to carefully consider whether a company's culture is one where you would want to be part of.
