Introduction | Negotiation Sequence | Negotiation Basics | Difficult Situations

Difficult Situations

Inappropriate Questions

(Exerpted from "The Job Interview" published by The Harvard Kennedy School of Government Office of Career Services)

A few employers, usually in ignorance, will ask questions that are inappropriate or illegal based upon nondiscrimination laws. You are not required to answer these questions, but you can help preserve your standing with the employer by declining in a diplomatic manner. The guideline is that interview questions are supposed to be job-related. Examples of inapropriate questions are:

• Are you a member of a political party ? If so, which one ?

• Have you ever taken part in a political demonstration? What was the cause ?

• Do you plan to get married ? Have children ?

• Do you have children ? If so, what are your child care arrangements ?

• Are you a member of a church ? Which one ?

• Have you ever filed a claim or suit against an employer for any reasons ? Explain.

• Are you or have you been a member of a labor union ?

Examples of Possible Difficult Situations (and Suggestions for Getting Out of Them !)

The Situation : A student is asked by a recruiter: "What is your starting salary ?"

Recommended Response: The best strategy is to put the question back on the recruiter's lap. "I am looking for a fair offer. I am looking for a competitive salary for a graduating MIT student with an X degree and Y major."

For more information regarding this issue, go to Question Five in the Answers to Frequently Asked Questions section.

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