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Im dumbfounded


I had an interview on Friday and they asked me questions that they are NOT allowed to ask me!  Do you have kids? Does you husband work?  So do you already have insurance through his job?

Then she said, I really don't know what the pay rate will be, you will find that out in your second interview, but do you need alot?  Some people I have interviewed are asking for too much, so what do you want per hour?

OK, is it me or are they just trying to find the cheapest worker they can get?  I was seeing red flags all over the place here, as much as I want and need a job right now, I am afraid to go on a second interview (if they do call me).

I answered her questions, I couldn't help it, I was like a deer in the headlights, but I am wondering, what does one say when faced with the questions that they are not supposed to ask??

This hardly sounds like a dream job, and the interviewer sounds like an idiot. It also sounds like by mentioning that some people want too much prior to asking you about your salary requirements, she was trying to intimidate you into naming a lower number than what you believe is fair. Plus, if she is does not know how much the position offers, and therefore doesn't have anything to measure your answer agains, why is she asking the question in the first place, and how did she determine that the other candidates were asking for too much? That's just dumb.

It's up to you whether you want to pursue employment with this company. I guess it depends on how badly you need the job. It may just be that this interviewer was inexperienced and unprofessional and the rest of the company is actually fine. IMO, you have nothing to lose by going on a 2nd interview (if they call you). However, keep your eyes open for possible red flags, pay attention to the overall atmosphere in the workplace and to how the employees are interacting with each other and whether they seem happy, and ask a lot of questions.

Pesonal questions like the ones about your family should always be red flags because, while not illegal per se, they are unprofessional at best and well trained seasoned interviewers will generally avoid them. Some articles suggest that when faced with such questions, you should answer the "question behind the question" rather than provide them with the personal information they are asking for (unless you don't mind providing such information and it being potentially used against you). For example, when employers ask about kids, what they really want to know is whether your family life will prevent you from working long hours. If not a problem, you could say "If you are concerned about my ability to work extra hours when needed, I can assure you that will not be a problem", without answering their question directly. "Does your husband work?" Ok, this is just plain stupid. I don't think I have an answer for that, rather than just to say "I am sorry, I do not see how this is relevant to this position". "Do you already have insurance through his job?" Another dumb and highly inappropriate question, especially since the same information could've been obtained with a more appropriate "How important is it that this job provides health insurance?"

Good luck to you in whatever you decide to do!

Red flags, indeed! This doesn't sound at all like a very professional place or a professional interviewer! I think I would answer the questions like this: "Excuse me, but what do these questions have to do with whether or not I can do this job? If you are concerned that I have other obligations that might interfere with my attendance or attention to the job, then, no, I am able to work and handle the other aspects of my life comfortably."

Clearly they are trying to get someone in "cheap." If they call you back for a 2nd interview, you might want to go, just to find out what's up! I'd be curious as to how that would go. And if they continue to ask inappropriate questions (these may not be illegal--I think it depends on what state you're in), very sweetly ask the above question.... Or act very confused--"Um, I don't understand what these issues have to do with this job? Would you be more clear on that point?" See what that does!

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