Page 187 - How To Answer Interview Questions (II)

Employers are not allowed to ask direct questions about your disability, but they can ask if you are
able to perform specific job duties. If they ask anything you are not comfortable answering, you can
just say, “That isn’t something that will interfere with my ability to do this job.”

Questions About Age

Generally, questions about age are going to be a problem (and a legal issue) for those who are over
40.

If you are asked blatantly, “How old are you?” “When did you graduate?” or “When were you
born?” and you truly think they will hold it against you, say:

“My age isn’t relevant as to whether or not I can do this job, but my experience is, and I have
experience in X, Y, and Z. In fact, I won the award last year in my company for X.” Mention some
notable achievement that illustrates that you are successful and good at your job.

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Remember, most illegal interview questions are not asked with malicious intent. Usually, they are
innocent questions asked by inexperienced interviewers in an attempt to spark conversation and get to
know you.

In most cases, you can tactfully dodge the question with a smile and a sentence that directs the
conversation back to your fit for the job, maybe even answering the question they should have asked,
but didn’t.

If you genuinely feel that this question was inappropriate, and can’t dodge it, you can ask how this
applies to your ability to do the job.

***Note: This section on illegal interview questions is not intended to be a comprehensive list
of illegal interview questions, and does not substitute for legal advice.