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Now, you have some examples words. Please, fill in the blanks words with their definitions. Could you add more words?

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REMEMBER: To talk about actions or situations that started in the past continue into the present we use : has/have (´s/ve)+ (not) + been + verb + ing

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Now, you have some examples of job interviews. Scanning the examples, choose two of them with your partner and discuss about it.

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How to Answer “Tell Me About Yourself?” in an Interview

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How to answer the job interview question “Tell me about yourself,” including what to say, what not to say, and examples of the best answers.

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During a job interview, the interviewer might ask you the question, "Why are you the best person for the job?" This is similar to other common interview questions, such as " Why should we hire you?" The interviewer wants to know why you would be a better option to hire than other candidates.

What the Interviewer Wants to Know

The interviewer also want to make sure you know what they are looking for in a job candidate, and that you have the ability to do the job if you were to be hired. One of the goals of the interview is to determine whether you are a good fit for both the role and the organization. On the flip side, you'll also need to decide if the job is a good match for what you're looking for in your next role.

When answering this kind of question, your objective is to sell yourself to the hiring manager and convince them that you are a unique and strong candidate. Read below for advice on preparing for and answering this interview question, as well as examples of the best responses.

How to Answer "Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?"

There are many ways you can answer this question. The first way is to explain how your personality or personal traits make you an ideal candidate. To do that, take the time before the interview to carefully match your qualifications to those listed in the job posting. Be prepared to explain why you're a solid match for the job.

A second way to answer is to emphasize your unique skills. If you have skills that make you a strong candidate (especially if not many people have those skills), mention these. The skills the employer is seeking may also be listed in the job posting. If not, look at similar jobs to see what criteria employers are looking for.

Another option is to show the employer that what you have accomplished in your previous roles qualify you for this one. Share examples of your achievements that relate to the job for which you're interviewing.

Examples of the Best Answers

Take a look at these possible answers and tailor them to your specific qualifications for the job, career background, and work experience:

Example Answer #1

Why It Works: This response is effective because the candidate goes into specifics in listing the essential skill set she can bring to her new employer. Ideally, she has also emphasized these skills because she realized from reading the job posting that these talents were among the employer's most "preferred qualifications."

Example Answer #2

Why It Works: Not only does this interviewee mention his important skills, but he also alludes to his previous leadership responsibilities and his quantifiable success (a "top sales record") in his previous job.

Example Answer #3

Why It Works: This is a great example of how to effectively use the STAR interview response technique, in which you structure your answer to describe a past situation, your task, your action, and the r esult. Here, the candidate uses this technique to also point out that she is aware of the employer's company culture and focus on collaborative teamwork, showing how her own experience aligns with these priorities.

Example Answer #4

Why It Works: This job candidate showcases the broad skill set that many of his competitors for the position might not have: his knowledge of five computer programming languages. He is also able, in his response, to point out his personal initiative and enthusiasm for his work.

Tips for Giving the Best Response

Prepare in advance. Before an interview, think carefully about what makes you an ideal candidate for the position. First, look at the job listing, and circle any key skills or qualifications. Then, look at your resume and note any particular experiences or skills that fit the job listing. Emphasize those qualifications in your answer to the question.

Share examples. It's important to be as specific as possible when answering this question. Whether you emphasize your skills or a personality trait, be sure to provide one or two specific examples that prove you have those qualities and how you will use them in the workplace.

Focus on how you can help the company. Avoid answers that emphasize why you want the job. Instead, focus on how you can add value to the company. To prepare for this kind of answer, make sure you have some knowledge about the company ahead of time. Take the time to review the company's website, social media pages, and other information about the organization that's available online.

Don't compare yourself to others. Even though the question is about how you compare to other candidates, don't critique the other job seekers. This can come across as negative or rude.

Instead, emphasize what makes you unique in a positive manner, without attacking or insulting other candidates. It's important to sell your qualifications without being considered arrogant or overbearing.

Don't say this: "Unlike some of the other candidates I'm sure you've seen today, I have experience in the field, which means that I can hit the ground running on day one."

Do say: "My years of experience in this field have given me on-the-job knowledge, as well as a sense of where the industry has been and where it's going in the future. I have the kind of technical skills that only come from doing the job for several years. I can slide seamlessly into this role and start hitting goals on my very first day."

Possible Follow-Up Questions

Why did you leave your previous job? - Best Answers

What are your salary expectations? - Best Answers

Why do you want this job? - Best Answers

More interview questions: Top 10 Interview Questions and Best Answers

Key Takeaways

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Tips for Answering "Why Are You the Best Person for the Job?"

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During a job interview, the interviewer might ask you the question, "Why are you the best person for the job?" This is similar to other common interview questions, such as " Why should we hire you?" The interviewer wants to know why you would be a better option to hire than other candidates.

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How to Answer Questions About Why You Want the Job

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How to respond when asked “Why do you want this job?” at an interview, with examples of the best answers, what not to say, and tips for answering.

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Interviews can be difficult and stressful, regardless of where you are in your career. The application process can be extremely time-consuming, so when you finally land an interview, it's normal to stress about providing the best possible answers to common interview questions.

Most likely, that will mean being able to talk about your prior experience and how it's prepared you for the role. These types of questions are designed to ensure that you're the candidate most suited to the job.﻿﻿

Some variations on this question include the following:

Tell me about your work experience.

Describe your related experience.

How does your prior experience prepare you for this job?

Do you think your experience matches the needs of the role?

Do you think you're qualified for this position?

What the Interviewer Wants to Know

Hiring managers, recruiters, and employers ask these questions to get a better understanding of how your background and work experience relate to the position they are looking to fill.﻿﻿

Avoid answering too broadly. Try using specific examples of how past work might prepare you for the new role. The closer a match you are to the job requirements, the better your chances of being selected for an interview.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Experience

The most effective response is to describe your responsibilities and accomplishments in detail and connect them to the job for which you are interviewing.

Link your responsibilities to those listed in the job description for the new position so the employer will be able to see that you have the qualifications necessary to do the job. Focus mostly on previous responsibilities directly related to the new job's requirements.

Examples of the Best Answers

Example Answer #1

Why It Works: This answer references specific experience and skills that are valuable to the job (and probably appear in the job description).

Example Answer #2

Why It Works: In this response, the candidate quantifies their success in a prior role. By being specific, they give the interviewer proof of their ability to do the job. The candidate also explains how they could help the company if they were to be hired.

Example Answer #3

Why It Works: This reply demonstrates experience in the field, career growth, and loyalty. It shows that the candidate is thoughtful and intentional about their career.

Tips for Giving the Best Answer

Quantify your response. The interviewer is looking to hire the candidate who can best solve a problem for the company, whether that's boosting sales or acquiring customers or hitting some other metric.

Statistics are particularly persuasive. Showing that you increased sales by X percent or saved the company Y amount of money provides a hiring manager with a compelling argument for offering you the job. Use numbers and percentages to show what you have accomplished.﻿﻿

Demonstrate proficiency in the skills highlighted in the job description. Your ability to describe your former work experience effectively will help you stand out from the rest of the applicant pool. Providing specific, quantifiable proof of your accomplishments, work ethic, and knowledge will show employers that you have transferable experience which will benefit their workplace.

Have alternative answers ready. It's always a good idea to come prepared with several responses in case your interviewer changes tack and asks about another aspect of your experience. Know your resume well, and be prepared to discuss anything that's on it.

What Not to Say

Don't memorize your responses. It's important to practice answering questions, but you also want to sound relaxed and natural, so don't try to learn your answers by rote. Instead of practicing your responses line by line, just focus on the key points to emphasize to get your point across to the interviewer.

Don't lie. It's also important to be honest and accurate. Don't embellish your job, because you don't know who the hiring manager will be speaking with when they check your references. Even if they don't follow up in depth, you don't want to spend the rest of your career waiting to be found out-or to talk your way into a role for which you're currently unprepared.﻿﻿

Possible Follow-Up Questions

What can you do for this company? - Best Answers

What can you do better for us than the other candidates for the job? - Best Answers

Why should we hire you? - Best Answers

Why are you the best person for the job? - Best Answers

How do you handle failure? - Best Answers

How do you handle success? - Best Answers

What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make? - Best Answers

Why do you want this job? - Best Answers

Key Takeaways

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Best Answers for Job Interview Questions About Experience

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Interviews can be difficult and stressful, regardless of where you are in your career. The application process can be extremely time-consuming, so when you finally land an interview, it's normal to stress about providing the best possible answers to common interview questions.

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Are you ready to discuss why you're available for employment in a job interview? Interviewers will typically want to know why you left your last job. Common variations of the question include:

"Why did you leave your last job?"

"Why did you quit your job?"

"Why are you looking for a new job?"

"Why were you fired?"

It's important to have a response prepared so you're not caught off guard by the question. When you respond, you'll need to give an answer that's honest and reflects your specific circumstances but avoids negativity. That is, even if you quit because your boss was difficult or because you disliked the company, now is not the time to share.

What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know

Interviewers like to ask this question because it reveals a lot about you, such as:

Did you leave this position voluntarily, or were you fired or laid off?

Are you on good terms with the company you're leaving?

Does your reason for quitting seem valid or reasonable?

How to Answer "Why Did You Leave Your Job?"

This can be a challenging question to answer. Perhaps you left your job due to long hours and impossible deadlines. If you do not phrase your explanation carefully, you might appear lazy or unmotivated, which is off-putting to employers.

Keep your response positive (no venting about your previous employer), and try to pivot to discussing why the job at hand is an ideal match for your skills, knowledge, and experience.

If you're still working but are about to quit, then alter your responses accordingly. Every situation is unique, so be sure to tailor your response to fit your circumstances.

Examples of the Best Answers

Review examples of answers, but be sure to tailor your response to fit your professional circumstances.

Why It Works: This is so flattering to the company! If you don't overdo the compliments, making it clear that this specific position brought you into the job market is appealing to interviewers.

Why It Works: This to-the-point answer gives the facts without any tinge of resentment or negativity.

Why It Works: This is another just-the-facts response that does a nice job of avoiding emotions or negativity.

Why It Works: This answer makes the candidate seem like a real go-getter-eager to grow skills and to put those new skills to work. Employers find those traits positive.

Why It Works: While often in interviews it's a good idea to avoid getting too personal, this is a good example of an acceptable reason to leave a company.

Other strong answers to consider:

"I quit my job because my supervisor retired. After many years of working in the office, I felt that it was time for a change, and it seemed like the ideal time to move on."

"I resigned to focus on finding a job that is closer to home and will use my skills and experience in a different capacity."

"I didn't have room to grow with my previous employer."

"I have been volunteering in this capacity and love this kind of work. I want to turn my passion into the next step of my career."

"After several years in my last position, I am looking for a company where I can contribute more and grow in a team-oriented environment."

"I am interested in a new challenge and want to use my skills and experience in a different capacity than in the past."

"I am interested in a job with more responsibility."

"I was commuting and spending an hour each day traveling back and forth. I would prefer to be closer to home."

"The position seems to correlate with my skillset. Unfortunately, in my last job, I wasn't able to use my training and experience fully."

"The company was downsizing and I thought it made sense to find another position before my job was eliminated."

What to Say When You Were Fired

If you were fired from your job, it's important to keep your responses as positive as possible. Try not to blame yourself or your previous employer. Give a brief answer, then move the conversation forward.

Here are some sample answers and tips for responding to interview questions about being fired.

Tips for Giving the Best Answer

There are all kinds of reasons to leave a job. Maybe you wanted more money, you felt the company was in constant chaos, your new manager never provided guidance or direction, or you were laid off. However, not all of these responses should be raised during a job interview.

Here are some tips on how to develop a response that will be well received:

Be honest: You don't have to tell the whole truth. Just be sure to focus on the real reason you are leaving. For example, you can say you were frustrated by the lack of opportunities. Start by describing some of the things you accomplished, and then pivot to saying you were roadblocked as far as being able to accomplish more. You'll score bonus points if you can tie your answer back to why the job you're applying for is a better fit because you'll be afforded more opportunities.

Keep it short and positive: This is one question where you might want to keep your response brief since there are a lot of minefields. A simple sentence-maybe two-is likely sufficient. If possible, try to frame your departure in positive terms.

Practice: Practice your responses so you come across as positive and clear. Practicing (especially in front of a mirror) will help you feel more comfortable answering this difficult question. This is particularly true if you were laid off or fired. In a situation like that, give a short, clear, and unemotional response.

What Not to Say

Avoid negativity: Do not speak poorly about managers, colleagues, or the company. You may speak negatively about a coworker only to learn that he or she has a close relationship with the interviewer. However, you can speak broadly about corporate goals or mention that you disagree with the direction the business is taking.

Unprofessional comments: Are you bored at work? Underpaid or underappreciated? So sick of everything about the job? Now's not the time to let it all out. You don't need to overshare or get really personal about your motivations for departing the job. Make sure your answer is professional.

Possible Follow-Up Questions

Key Takeaways

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How to Tell an Interviewer Why You Left Your Job

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Are you ready to discuss why you're available for employment in a job interview? Interviewers will typically want to know why you left your last job. Common variations of the question include: "Why did you leave your last job?" "Why did you quit your job?" "Why are you looking for a new job?"

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Best Ways to Answer Interview Questions About Strengths

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Examples of the best job interview answers for the question “What is your greatest strength?” what and what not to say, and tips for responding.

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Best Answers for What is Your Greatest Weakness With Examples

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Examples of the best job interview answers for the question “What is your greatest weakness?” what and what not to say, and tips for responding.

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Are you prepared to answer interview questions about stress? Many jobs are stressful, and it's important to be prepared to answer questions about on-the-job stress during interviews. One common interview question you may be asked is, "How do you handle stress?"

You'll need to be prepared to respond appropriately, because the interviewer doesn't want to hear that you never get stressed. After all, everyone feels stress at one time or another at work.

As with all interview questions, it's a good idea to have examples ready to share with the interview.

What the Interviewer Wants to Know

The interviewer really wants to know whether you can handle job-related stress, and what you do in particularly stressful situations at work. This is especially important if you're interviewing for a position where stress is an integral part of the job. That's because job stress can have a negative impact on workplace performance.

The hiring manager may also be wondering whether stressful issues outside of work can impact your job performance. Employers look for candidates who can deal with a range of stressful situations, whether these are personal or work-related.

How to Answer "How Do You Handle Stress?"

To answer this question successfully, you'll want to provide specific examples of how you've handled stress well in the past. You might also provide examples of times when pressure actually made you work more productively.

Consider mentioning how a little stress can be a helpful motivator for you. Try to provide an example of a time when the stress of a difficult project helped you be a more creative and productive worker.

Examples of the Best Answers

Review these sample answers of how candidates cope with stress, along with information on why these are strong responses.

Example Answer #1

Why It Works: This answer shows that the candidate enjoys working under pressure and thrives in stressful situations.

Example Answer #2

Why It Works: With this response, the candidate shows how they turns stress into action-and into a positive instead of a negative-in order to accomplish their tasks.

Example Answer #3

Why It Works: This response works well because the candidate shows that they enjoys working under pressure and that they can meet deadlines.

Example Answer #4

Why It Works: For someone interviewing for a management role, this answer shows that the candidate is concerned about the stress levels of the team and how they works to provide a solution.

Tips for Giving the Best Answer

Show the employer how you manage stress. That way, the interviewer can build up a clear picture of how well you adapt to stressful situations. For example, describe a time when you were given a difficult task or multiple assignments and how you rose to the occasion.

Focus on success. When you respond, share examples of how you succeeded despite being in a stressful situation, or of how you problem-solved to resolve the issue that caused stress.

When it's a stressful job. Some jobs are stressful by nature. If you're applying for a high-stress job, be sure to let the interviewer know that you're used to working under stress and that it's part of your normal routine.

What Not to Say

Don't mention an issue you created. Avoid mentioning a time when you put yourself in a needlessly stressful situation. You don't want to come across as someone who causes workplace stress.

Don't say that you were really stressed. You shouldn't focus too much on how stressed out you felt. While you should certainly admit that stress happens, try to emphasize how you dealt with the stress rather than how much it bothered you.

Possible Follow-Up Questions

What type of work environment do you prefer?-Best Answers

Describe a time when your workload was heavy and how you handled it.-Best Answers

What challenges are you looking for in a position?-Best Answers

Describe your work style.-Best Answers

Managing Stress During the Interview

Job interviews are stressful for most people. Even if you've interviewed a lot, it can still be challenging to stay calm and collected. You're meeting new people in a new environment, and you're trying to sell your credentials to someone who might be your next boss.

A big part of handling stress is preparation. Be sure to research the company in advance and practice answering common interview questions. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll feel in the interview.

You can also reduce stress by avoiding negative thinking ("I won't get this job"). Instead, visualize having a successful interview (for example, envision having positive interactions with the interviewer). Do this visualization in the hours right before the interview.

Use these relaxation techniques. If you start to feel stressed just before the interview, try taking a deep breath or two to relax. During the interview, feel free to take a breath or a sip of water before answering a question. This will give you some time to compose yourself and prepare your answer.

Watch your body language. Your body language during the interview can also help convey that you're relaxed. Try to avoid fidgeting too much. Stand up straight and look the interviewer in the eye (but don't stare). By appearing calm and confident, you are more likely to feel calm and confident.

Being able to effectively handle a stressful job interview will indicate to employers that you'll also be able to handle workplace stress.

Key Takeaways

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Answering Interview Questions About Stress and Pressure

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Are you prepared to answer interview questions about stress? Many jobs are stressful, and it's important to be prepared to answer questions about on-the-job stress during interviews. One common interview question you may be asked is, "How do you handle stress?"

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How to Answer Interview Questions About Salary

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How to answer interview questions about salary expectations, including sample answers and tips on how to respond to questions about what you expect to earn.

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If you haven't thought about the direction you'd like your career to go in, it's a good idea to give it some thought before you go on a job interview. During an interview, the interviewer might ask, "What are your long-term career goals?"

Or you might get similar interview questions such as, " Where do you see yourself in five years?" and " What are your goals for the next five to ten years? "

What the Interviewer Really Wants to Know

Interviewers want to know whether you plan to stay at the company for a while, or if you're likely to leave at the first opportunity. Asking future-focused questions during interviews is very common. For employers, this tactic helps reveal if you have any long-term visions or plans.

It is expensive to hire and train an employee. The interviewer wants to make sure that you intend to stay a while at the company. However, the interviewer also wants to make sure you have ambition and goals for your future.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Career Goals

It might be difficult to think about the future during your interview, so it's good to plan for questions like these. Keep in mind, there are plenty of ways to answer it successfully. Answer this question with the company in mind. If your personal goals don't mesh with the company's vision for future, it's better to keep them to yourself.

Example Answer

You can divide those goals up into short-term goals and long-term goals. Be prepared to share some of these aspirations with the interviewer.

If you're not clear about what you want to achieve, review this guide on how to set career goals. Then spend some time setting those vital short- and long-term career goals.

Examples of the Best Answers

Here are some examples of answers you can follow when framing your own response.

Example Answer

Why It Works: The applicant references the company he or she is interviewing for in his answer to the question, letting the interviewer know that he would like to be hired by the company and would like to stay there, at least for a while.

Example Answer

Why It Works: This answer works for two reasons. First, the applicant states that his or her short-term goal can be accomplished by working in a company like the one in which he or she is interviewing for. Second, the applicant relates his or her long-term goal to an annual conference put on by the company.

Example Answer

Why it Works: Since the applicant is obviously interviewing in a hospital or long-term care environment, he or she is relating long-term goals to the same environment. This reassures the interviewer that they may be able to retain the applicant if they hire the applicant.

Tips for Giving the Best Answer

Start with short-term goals, then move to long-term goals. You probably have a good sense of your short-term goals, such as getting a job with an employer like the one you are currently interviewing for. Start by describing these goals, then move to long-term plans.

Explain the actions you'll take. Listing goals is not going to make for a strong answer. You also want to (briefly) explain steps you will take to achieve them. For example, if you want to take on a management role, describe the steps you have taken, or will take, to become a manager.

Perhaps you are developing your leadership skills by running group projects, you plan to attend a series of leadership conferences, or you are pursuing a specialized management certification.

Describing your plan demonstrates that you are thinking analytically about your career future and your potential growth within the company. For example, if you plan to further your education, explain your goal in a way that enhances your worth to the company.

Focus on the employer. Even though this question is about you, you want to convey that you won't abandon the employer anytime soon.

Focus on how you'll add value to the company through the achievement of your own goals. Also, convince the interviewer that working at this company will help you achieve your goals for a win-win situation.

Take the Time to Practice. Practice answering questions about your career plan and goals out loud, so you can be more comfortable during your interview. It's also a good idea to review a variety of job interview questions and answers so you'll be fully prepared.

What Not to Say

Avoid discussing salary. Don't focus on goals related to earnings, raises, bonuses, or perks. You want to focus on the work you hope to achieve, rather than the money you want to make. It's fine to provide a salary range if asked (although you might try to avoid getting pinned down too early in the process). However, you should never volunteer your target salary unasked, or tie any information to own your circumstances, rather than to the job market.

Here's an example of what not to say when you're talking about salary with a prospective employer:

Don't Say This: Can you provide the salary range for this position? My target salary is at least $45,000. My rent just went up and I have student loans, so I can't consider a position that comes in under that.

Avoid delving too deeply into specifics. While you want to present clear goals, do not get into too many details. For example, if you know you want to work for a company in a specific position (but not the company or role you're interviewing for), don't share this information with an employer.

An example of what not to say when discussing your goals:

Don't Say This: I'm excited about the possibility of joining this organization. While I'm applying for an administrative assistant job, my hope is to move into an editorial role as soon as possible. Can you tell me how long it would take to move into an editorial assistant position?

Possible Follow-Up Questions

How do you plan to achieve your career goals? - Best Answers

How do you envision your career path? - Best Answers

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? - Best Answers

Key Takeaways

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How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Career Goals

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If you haven't thought about the direction you'd like your career to go in, it's a good idea to give it some thought before you go on a job interview. During an interview, the interviewer might ask, "What are your long-term career goals?"

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There are many topics that should be off-limits during a job interview. Questions about age, ancestry, citizenship, credit rating, criminal record, disabilities, family status, gender, military discharge, or religion should not be asked directly by an interviewer.

While the intent of these questions may be to determine if you are a good fit for the job, it is important to know that only information relevant to your ability to do the job can and should be asked.

Interview Questions That Are Illegal

Federal and state laws prohibit prospective employers from asking certain questions that are not related to the job they are hiring for. Employers should not ask about any of the following unless it specifically relates to the job requirements because to not hire a candidate because of any one of them is discriminatory:

Job requirements based on an employee's gender, national origin, religion, or age can be used in very limited circumstances. They are lawful only when an employer can demonstrate that they are bona fide occupational qualifications (BFOQs) that are reasonably necessary to the normal operation of a business. For example, it's acceptable to require the candidate to be a Roman Catholic for a job as director of the faith formation for a Catholic parish.

How to Respond When You Are Asked an Illegal Question

If you are asked an illegal interview question or the questions begin to follow an illegal trend, you always have the option to end the interview or refuse to answer the question. It may be uncomfortable to do, but you need to be comfortable working at the company. If the questions you are being asked during the interview are indicative of the company's policies, you may be better off finding out now.

Sometimes an interviewer will ask inappropriate questions accidentally, and in that case, you may choose to answer them politely, avoiding the substance of the question but addressing the intent.

Here's more information on what interviewees can and cannot be asked and how to respond if you are asked an inappropriate question.

Questions About Your Age

There are instances where an employer may need to determine an applicant's age. The interviewer can ask a young interviewee if he has appropriate working papers. If the job requires that an applicant is of minimum legal age for the position (i.e. bartender), the interviewer can ask as a pre-requisite to employment that proof of age be furnished. If the company has a regular retirement age, they are permitted to ask if the applicant is below that age. However, an interviewer can't ask your age directly:

How old are you?

When did you graduate?

What is your date of birth?

If faced with these questions you can choose not to answer, or answer with the truthful, if vague, "My age is not an issue for my performance in this job."

There are few questions legal to ask relating to ancestry and race which are pertinent to employment. During an interview, you may legally be asked, "How many languages are you fluent in?" or, "Are you legally eligible to work in the United States?"

Questions such as "Is English your native language?", "Are you a U.S. Citizen?", "Were your parents born in the U.S.?", and "What race do you identify yourself as?" are illegal for a person to be asked during an employment interview. Faced with questions such as these, you can refuse to answer, stating simply, "This question does not affect my ability to perform the job."

Credit Interview Questions

A prospective employer cannot ask about your financial status or credit rating during an interview. There are limited exceptions to this if you are applying for certain financial and banking positions. Also, employers can check the credit of job applicants with the candidate's permission.

Criminal Record

During an interview, an interviewer can legally ask about any convicted crimes that relate to the job duties. For example, if you are interviewing for a position that requires handling money or merchandise, you can legally be asked if you have ever been convicted of theft.

During an interview, you cannot be asked about arrests without convictions, or involvement in any political demonstrations. You may choose to tell the interviewer simply, "There is nothing in my past which would affect my ability to perform the duties of this job."

Depending on your state and the type of job for which you are applying, the employer may be able to check your criminal record as part of an employment background check.

Disability

During an interview, the interviewer may ask questions about your ability to perform specific tasks, such as "Are you able to lift safely and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds?", or "This position requires standing for the length of your shift, are you able to do that comfortably?" or "Are you able to sit comfortably for the duration of your shift?"

Under no circumstances is a prospective employer allowed to ask your height, weight, or any details regarding any physical or mental limitations you may have, except as they directly relate to the job requirements. If you choose to reply, you can state "I am confident that I will be able to handle the requirements of this position."

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) provides protection for job seekers with disabilities. It is unlawful for an employer to discriminate against a qualified applicant with a disability. The ADA applies to private employers with 15 or more employees, as well as to state and local government employers.

Family Status

An interviewer can ask questions regarding whether you can meet work schedules, or travel for the position. He can ask about how long you expect to stay at a particular job or with the prospective firm. Whether you anticipate any extended absences can also be asked.

An interviewer can't ask your marital status if you have children, what your childcare situation is, or if you intend to have children (or more children). You cannot be asked about your spouse's occupation or salary. If you choose to answer a question of this kind, a graceful way to answer is to say that you can perform all the duties that the position entails.

In a face to face interview, it is unlikely that an interviewer will not know your gender, but it's important that your gender not be taken into account in her assessment of your ability to do the job. You can't be asked your gender during an interview for a position, unless it directly relates to your qualifications for a job, such as an attendant in a gender-restricted restroom or locker room.

Military Discharge

An interviewer may ask questions relating to the branch of the military in which you served and your attained rank. It is also legal to ask about any education or experience relating to the position to which you are applying.

You may not be asked about your type of discharge or about your military records unless it is relevant to the job you are applying for, for example, if the position required a security clearance. When you answer these questions, you can indicate that there is nothing in your records that would impair your ability to succeed in the job.

Religion Interview Questions

During an interview, an interviewer can ask if you can work during the normal hours of operation of the business. An interviewer cannot ask your religious affiliation or holidays that you observe. It is illegal to be asked your place of worship or your beliefs. If you are asked questions of this kind, you may reply that your faith will not interfere with your ability to do the job.

Before You File a Claim

Before you file a claim for discrimination, you might want to consider that most discrimination is not deliberate. In many cases, the interviewer may simply be ignorant of the law. Even though the interviewer may have asked an illegal question, it doesn't necessarily mean that the intent was to discriminate or that a crime has been committed.

Filing a Claim

If you believe you have been discriminated against by an employer, labor union, or employment agency when applying for a job or while on the job because of your race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, or disability, or believe that you have been discriminated against because of opposing a prohibited practice or participating in an equal employment opportunity matter, you may file a charge of discrimination with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). To file a charge, contact an attorney who handles labor issues, or contact your local EEOC office.

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Tips for How to Answer Interview Questions Employers Should Not Ask

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There are many topics that should be off-limits during a job interview. Questions about age, ancestry, citizenship, credit rating, criminal record, disabilities, family status, gender, military discharge, or religion should not be asked directly by an interviewer.

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Apply your knowledge, analyze pros and cons and discuss with your partner the most important things that you´ve learned. Make a roll play (interviewer-interviewed) and create the best job interview.