“Are You Pregnant?”
Before you read on, remember that these questions are not provided for you to merely skim over. The planning and preparation of answers is essential to maximizing your interviewing prowess. The only way to succeed is to match your background to a positive, upbeat, convincing answer for each of these questions. Start with your resume, know every word on it. Another key part of your preparation is company research. You should know as much about the company as you possibly can before you arrive for the interview.
How old are you? Are you married? Are you divorced? Do you plan to have more children? There’s no doubt that these are illegal questions in the sense that companies can not base their selection on these factors, but don’t spend time thinking about what is legal and what’s not.
Even if a question is inappropriate, we suggest that you do not dodge it. Respond briefly; then execute a linkage maneuver, pivoting on your resume, to maintain your offensive position. You might say, following a ten-second response to a poor question: “And Mr. Johnson, what’s more important to us all is how my experience in a new territory, highlighted at the bottom of page one of my resume, gives me ideal experience to assume a key role in your expansion plans.”
A final point: Don’t assume that any question is illegal. In reality, there are few illegal questions. Federal laws, however, do make it illegal to discriminate against candidates by eliminating them from consideration because of certain characteristics or experiences. To avoid the appearance of discrimination, therefore, many companies avoid asking questions about age, race, or nationality and so on.
To prove discrimination in the hiring process is very difficult and is counterproductive to your campaign. If a company is backward or archaic in its hiring process, imagine what it would be like to work for the company! Rather than worrying about whether a question is appropriate or not, score points by responding in a positive and general way.
Question: Are you pregnant?
Answer: “No.” (If yes) “Yes, but I intend to return to work quickly. May I ask what you leave policy is?”
One of the things that will ensure your being a one percenter is being highly focused and prepared. If you want suggestions on where to start, contact us, we would be pleased to help.
To achieve a better job for better pay and have a better life, commit to excellence.
Charles
P.S. Don’t miss our next segment on Question 13, “Who will take care of your children while you work?”
P.P.S. Don’t miss our Radio Program – Better Job, Better Pay, Better Life!