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Posted by: Unmesh
Wow! Intresting article.I agree to your views. Apart from the sneaky recruiters the rest use this question as a ice breaker and to make the candidate comfortable.Thx
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Posted by: Amit
oh, I didn't know that - it's a good thing you said something!
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Posted by: Lin Jacobson
Good to know. Thanks for sharing!
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Posted by: Debba99
Thank you for describing the HR's position so eloquently. Yes, we need to skirt around to get at the route of potential employees and we have to make judgments based on our education and experience. Sorry, all applicants but it's a dog eat dog world out there with way too many applicants for way too few positions and we are on the spot to get the BEST applicant for the job. Companies spend time, resources and money to train YOU for what WE need so listen up and take heed. When we ask you 'so tell me about yourself' don't give us the ammo to disqualify you. We are using the latest informations/datato select best candidates. I am skilled to pick up ques when the applicant is not being truthful. I am skilled in knowing when the applicant is uncomfortable and can conclude WHY. I want honesty and integrity but no zeolots that want to report every impropriety our company is quilty of. We want candidatesthat will report problems with their ideas of correction; otherwise, it is just a complaint we have to do with: YOU. We want candidates that will work to the best of their abilities that can get along with their coworkers; who don't bring their baggage into the workplace. We are asking for a lot from candidates today, but guess what? We have so many of YOU to pick from and we are going to do everything we can, even trick questions, to rule out a candidate for the best candidate we can get.
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Posted by: MAA
This is excellent advice. I've used the question as an interviewer and am also amazed what people reveal. It's a good reminder for me as an interviewee. Thank you.
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Posted by: Jess
It never occurred to me in a job interview situation to answer that question with anything other than details of my career and my interests in the industry. Glad to know I wasn't wrong.
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Posted by: shereen
I hate to say this but I am asked if I have kids in every interview , and it is not legal to ask this question in this part of the world , so your advice can be considered seriously where you live but here, every female is asked this question either in an interview or through a rec. company and I cannot say 'oh this is illegal question' becasue it is not legal question here and some employers even stress that you do not need any married women who has small kids , so this is the real world.
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Posted by: Seema
The interviewers / recruiters have already gone through the RESUME/BIO-DATA/CV before interview. So it depends on the interview panel members and their age group, which can guide us to capsulate the information we need to and we can share when this Tricky question is asked. I personaly mention about the Education and the career journey as a major portion of TELLING ABOUT MYSELF, but also in the flow, is it not essential to indicate gently the family background (in terms of the responsibilities- say in case of Single Moms, I feel it is important to share with the Prospective employers, as then they can understand the rational behind willingness to relocate / travel etc.) Here even mentioning the age of the children for women employees is important, since the concern mentioned in the article gets automatically address. For women employees it is also important to mention about the support system which gives an assurance to the interviewers that this employee would not remain absent for a longer duration, in case of the domestic problems. So strictly adhering to the education and career path may not be a complete set of information in case of Women employees. Would appreciate the views on my thoughts, if any.
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Posted by: Cony
That's very interesting information. However in Mexico we don't have such protection. Employers can and do ask all kind of personal questions about age, marital status, kids, and even go deeply. Some time some one asked me who do you live with. I answered I live alone (I'm in my 30's). And she answer: "Oh, what a pity! Why is your family disintegrated? what about your parents?". I really surprise with that kind of comment!
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Posted by: Taufik Febri
nice post, thanks
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Posted by: Steven Davis
As a fellow recruiter, I guess I must say I am one of the good ones. "So tell me about yourself" is tantamount to "I was too busy to read your resume before the interview." On the flip side in 2009, it boggles my mind that candidates who have immense resources available at the click of mouse do not know what is legal and illegal. I most often will start with let's review your history, usually it is a given that for woman they will reveal sooner rather than later, " I have two kid,etc, etc.". Or another question is "Is there any reason you will not be able to work x hrs?" this goes to the edge but is perfectly legal. I am not asking if they have daycare issues. But if the job requires that the worker be there until 530 or 600 pm and that will cause a hardship due to a possible conflict with day care, then in order to make the right fit for the position. I need to know that. It is critical for ALL candidates to seek our resources via the net that list very clearly what is legal and illegal. There are many questions we ask that get the answers we need not to exclude a candidate but to properly qualify a candidate. This is good but don't paint us all with a broad brush stroke. Keep informing. Candidates can go to www.quintcareers.com that is a great source. Usually most states have a department of labor and they are a great source. As well if candidates want to go to a resource I assisted with compiling a free resource go to www.shranh.org and go to the link for the Workforce Readiness Tool kit, it is free and a great living breathing document that is updated continuously and has some great weblinks that have been researched, reviewed and deemed to be some of the best links on the web, covering a huge array of topics for candidates seeking employment. Best of luck and thank for your insight....
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Posted by: Linda
Hi. 20 years ago in England, a recruiter asked me if I planned to have children soon. He stated that only HR people had the right to ask. I thought he was wrong and I was hurt because at the time I was struggling with infertility. Also, what happens with accidental pregnancy? Did he think he could hold me to the no kids statment? I'm glad it's illegal here in the USA.
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Posted by: OM
Thank you for posting this article. I used to interview people in my administrative role, but would always avoid general questions that could potentially lead to a conversation about interviewees personal matters. I took a few classes in MBA program in HR and one of them was employment law related. Another issue with employers... they are not allowed by law to provide with the details of your employment history when providing a reference. They have to limit that to either rehireable or not rehireable. However, employers breach that law on a regular basis.
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Posted by: Pamela Dixon
As an executive search professional, the message "So tell me about yourself.." posed as a 'trick question' caught my attention. I agree with the initial post that a professional summary works best - but it could also simple be seen as a straight forward response to a straight forward question in a professional setting. Rather than viewing this question as a potential trap, I would suggest that this, like most questions, can be positioned to provide the candidate an opportunity to share and clarify relevant information (key word: relevant). A straight forward Q&A can be easily accomplished without crossing the line. Shifting the perspective of the Q&A process of a job interview to accurately gauge a potential "fit" will assist in creating a productive, authentic and comfortable interview. For instance, I am sometimes asked "is flex time available?" by working parents. Personally, I see this as a candidate's attempt to successfully see her/himself in the role because they are already working through real details of what the role will entail. This is an important negotiating point that can result in a stronger bond between employer and employee.On the other hand, if the role requires travel, a candid discussion about any limitations for the candidate's ability to travel in advance is well advised - and if possible - negotiated.Open comfortable dialogue can be achieved without crossing the line through mutual respect for all parties involved while staying focused on the task at hand. That is simply to identify and assess the appropriate skillset for the role and the ability to carry out the requirements for the role. - Pamela 404-307-4965pdixon@ssi-search.comSSi-SEARCH focuses exclusively on healthcare technology leadership including business development, clinical informatics, and consulting.
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Posted by: Liza
Here in Mexico the diversity regulations are non existant. So most of the candidates really hate the interview process. I as a recruiter try to be as friendly and empathic as I can, but also when I am in the candidate chair I feel I am in a marcial court. One of the other things I think are important is honesty and feedback...I try to give feedback to my candidate and also as honest as my work allows me...Anyway...thanks a lot for the tip =)
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Posted by: Dawn
Excellent! Thanks very much for this insightful info.
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Posted by: Inger Larsen
Thank you for sharing, a very valuable point.However, there is a bigger issue here and that is KIDS! I was listening to a presentation by Deutsche Bank's chief economist Norbert Walter in Berlin recently. He said that one of the healthy signs of financial recovery in many parts of the Western world - including the US - was a healthy reproduction rate!Kids are actually important for our future econonomies (I am Norwegian, working in the UK), so let's just work with it and be as supportive and accommodating as we can and set up structures that can deal with the fact that some of us do have them and want to work, children do get sick, and yes, they do have endless holidays.I don't have the solutions for everyone, but the way I have set up my recruitment company, is with several flexible workers and a system whereby you can work from home. We like to be in the office together, for mutual learning and of course interviewing and using office facilities. In the office we have a couch with a pillow and a blanket, children's books and painting stuff. If someone's child is ill and we still have to go in and can't get childcare, we bring the little blighter.And maybe not surprisingly, many of my colleagues are women with children and fantastic at what they do and in their commitment, regardless of where they do it from. An untapped resource.
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Posted by: Tom Weaver
Good to know. I'll pass it on.Tom
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Posted by: Prathap
Hi, The recruiter asked me to write about my achievements in 250 words!! How can i write this! do u have any articles? how to start and how to end?Thanks Prathap
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Posted by: Kathleen Rosson
Thanks for the article. I was recently on a telephone interview when the VP asked me,"So, when did you graduate college?" Now, I'm in my late 50's and knew this would be the kiss of death for me. I replied, "In the late 70's, is that a concern for you?" Of course he said no, but guess what, I never heard from him again. I'm an executive that lost my position in Jan. 2009. It's tough out there, but we have to keep smiling and dealing with "sneaky" people.
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Posted by: Jessica Holbrook
Thank you all for your insightful comments. I wish you all the best in your job searches! To Kathleen, I am terribly sorry he asked you this and it would be considered and illegal question from my viewpoint. Anything that would provide a 'date' to college could be considered age discrimination and it is completely wrong for him to ask that type of question. I hope you all will hold out hope and know that there are great employers and well meaning ones out there. Just keep your ears open and know what your rights are as an employee.Best wishes in your job search!Jessica
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Posted by: Michael Margolies
I volunteer as a career coach helping people find work, practice interviewing skills, learn how to dress, how to manage the search process and how tonetwork. I am often amazed at more advanced and executive level people I help who can't interview and have no idea what to say despite years of college and work histories. I expect this question to trip up the younger people I help and the less fortunate which is mostly who I work with but executives and senior level people often get tripped up on the same things that beginners do. So many people have never really learned how to create an effective resume or how to interview, even if they regularly hire others.
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Posted by: adrienne hall
Good information for sure. I was just asked that very same question last week.I was not aware of your detailed query, but I responded with my professional educational backgroung and true enough the prospective employer stated that she would be revising the new work schedule and will contact me with a start date and schedule of my intended work hours. Thanks so much for sharing this timely and vital employment "hook".
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Posted by: Grace Pfeiffer
To Kathleen: Do you really want to work for a company that does not value your experience? I too am in my late 50's and can personally attest to how energizing it is for me that my extensive career experience is considered a real asset by my employer of one year. I understand you may just need to get a job, but really hope you can find one where you will be appreciated for who you really are. Best wishes, Grace
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Posted by: Melissa
A 60 year old male hiring manager did this to me on an interview with one of the Big 4. He kept asking me to tell him about myself. I kept all my questions professional in nature but he wouldn't give up. He finally asked me what my hobbies were to get around it. I told him martial arts, which I love, and thought would be a good response considering the discipline martial arts teaches you. He kept going - now he wanted to know what level I was. I wanted to tell this baboon it was none of his business but I needed the job so I said I had a black belt and was working on my second degree. He seemed impressed. I got the job, and not only did he continue to intrude in my personal life BUT HE WAS INTIMIDATED BY ME BECAUSE I STUDY MARTIAL ARTS! Every chance he got he insisted on putting me down, remarking on how I was a female of small stature and therefore I must be a "target" for everyone and needed to be careful in parking lots, etc., where he, a 6'0" male would "never be a target." Meanwhile this guy looked like he could barely walk - which would make him an easy mark. Within a month I got fed up and I let him have it. Yes, he was my boss but I had won the respect of several managers and directors who were over him and they came to my defense. He was reprimanded and had to go to remedial management classes! Unfortunately the department's senior staff seemed to like managers with poor managerial skills. I stayed awhile longer to gain experience in that position and then I took that experience and I found myself another job!
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Posted by: James Martin
how do you handle this at an off site lunch with the interviewer?
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Posted by: Gwendolyn Davis
This article has really helpful hints about "what not to say" when the interviewer asks you "Tell me about yourself"
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Posted by: Marie-Josephine Wasson
Thanks for the advice on what not to say, but what about people who have had breaks in working. I am a wife of a retired soldier and I worked at any position I could find. I finally, graduated from college about five years ago. I have not had any success for 3 years in finding work. I don't do well during interviews, because I have never been paid to manage people. I have only lead soldiers' wives voluntarily. I was a leader of Family Support Groups at the different Army posts my husband was assigned to. I started during Desert Storm while we were stationed in Germany and he had to be redeployed to Saudi Arabia. That was the beginning of the now FRGs, Family Readiness Groups. When I tell the interviewer about my experience as a leader, they look at me as if I am from another planet. I fear most of them regard this experience as being a leader of a group of soccer moms. I am embarrassed to admit I that I have been a stay at home mom and now a domestic engineer. I really do want to work, but my life experience and the ability to communicate with people on any level is not enough experience, so the young 20something who went to school and graduated with me now is worth more than I am. I do not begrudge them careers and more power to the youth, but I still have talent and productivity left to contribute and I wish employers would realize that old dogs can be taught new tricks after-all I went to school with the puppies. I don't know how to answer the question because I don't feel I have accomplished much. I hope someone can help me because I don't want to continue to be discouraged.
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Posted by: Gwendolyn Davis
This article was very interesting....It helps you to answer the question without giving outnon-job related information, i.e. number of children, age.....etc..
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Posted by: Holly McIntyre
After giving birth I tried to re-enter the work force in 6 months and was told by the recruiter sending me on interviews to not mention my child to this one employer interviewing me that day. He said this employer was burned by an employee calling out because of her kids. The employer tried so hard to get that info out of me and also included the comment, "We are about the same age right?" I refused to clearly respond to this question and he cancelled a second interview with me after telling the recruiter he liked me. I honestly think it was because he suspected I had children and wouldn't come clean. I felt so disgusted trying to evade a question about my daughter who is ultimately more important to me than any position.
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Posted by: William
Wow. I would take the question of "so, tell me about yourself..." as a complete insult. So, you've had my resume for three weeks and you haven't bothered to even look at it? Just confirmation of the widely-held belief by most of us in the value-creation chain of a company that HR is nothing more than a drag on ROE. Thanks for everything, Federal Government!
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Posted by: Shannon Ruble
So what do you really say when an interviewer; for example, asks you if you're married and/or have kids?? I have a hard time at interviews anyway.
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Posted by: Harmony Kuller
To Kathleen,I am 5o years old and have been asked that same question before, many times! As I usually decide at that moment that I would NOT like to work for a company that would ask me such a question, I wonder what everyone thinks about this answer: I am old enough to (legally) work in the United States. Also, what do you do if you are handicapped as I am?Thanks A LOT for the information.Harmony
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Posted by: nitin date
Attn. - Ms Marie Josephine WassonIt is nice to know that you are trying to utilise your time constructively and in a positive way. Hats off to your attitude. The problem you are facing is universal in nature.In all parts of the world,it is the same story.May i suggest that you may try to begin your 'work life' by doing work in a voluntary organisation / NGO and after some time try to get a formal designation (Whatever they are willing to give;like-a team member/reach out coordinator/site assistant/associate etc.)Once you have a designation and a small monetary return attached , you will be better placed to switch over into a commercial organisation. Regards and Best of luck .
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Posted by: Sunp360
Wow, that's good info. I never really knew what to say when a recruiter would ask me that question. Now I know what to say, Thanks...
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Posted by: Mustapha
I now know why i have been failling interviews, it won't happen again.THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
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Posted by: James Buckland
Absolutely a phenom!! Well written! Kudos!!
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Posted by: Dangus McGee
Thanks for the advice. If the interviewer continued to press about personal information, I'd politely tell them that asking for that type of info is not legal. If they continued, I'd ask to end the interview and leave. No job is worth that level of hassle, probably micro-manage you to death anyway.
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Posted by: Linda
Thanks so much for this article. It is very helpful as I have an interview tomorrow, which is one of several I have had in the last few months. In the past I have always had felt very confident in interviews and getting job offers has been the norm for me but this year has been so totally different. I know part of it is the fact that there is such a large pool of candidates. After reading this article I can see that I may have eliminated myself just by honestly answering questions that should not have been asked. I really see how the interviewers are very tricky in finding out your personal situation and from now on, I will always keep it professional. My other question is what do you say when asked, "why are you looking for a job?" I am employed in a position that I absolutely hate. In order to stay employed after downsizing, I took a tremendous cut in pay, went from salary to hourly and it is like a prison working in a call center. I have never expressed my negative feelings and I try my best not to "project" in interviews. Does anyone have any tips on how to really stay focused and "project" a positive attitude. I am at a point where I would rather collect unemployment. Thanks very much.
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Posted by: Anna Hladczuk
This is very valuable information,thanks for posting it.Yes,I admit that my response is usually telling the recruiter about my private life.Recently I become a widow,got laid of 4 months ago,I understand now this sentence should never be included or mentioned on interview,what is your opinion.
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Posted by: Fran Lewis
I really appreciate the reminders. I actually had the President come in after answering my initial interview questions with the Vice-President to ask me whether I had kids and a husband. This was an international small firm and the entire interview took place in a foreign language. However, the interview took place in the U.S. I tried to evade the question by stating I'm focused on my career. However,he wasn't satisfied until he heard either a 'yes' or 'no' to kids? boyfriend? husband? He eventually backed off after I insisted my interest in the position and on my career.
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Posted by: Michael Lessard
Very good information. One has to be careful not to turn this situation and question into an adverse environment. Tact and proper use of communication can help ensure this.
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Posted by: gino
yeah! interesting article.. thanks to this!i learned something.
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Posted by: Kathleen Jenks
Thank you, nice article and oh so true. I have fallen many times for this question. Definitely thought it to be an ice breaker. Guess again, right?Thank you for the heads up.
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Posted by: Ginny Turner
how does one answer the question "And why did you apply for a job at this company?" I always think the smart mouthed answer, but wind up fumbling around with something like I have read about the company and the position looks very challenging, bla, bla, bla or something else that probably sounds really stupid. please give me advice on this one.thanks-Ginny in Florida
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Posted by: Donna York
This article was helpful, along with postings from different people and their experiences. I have fallen into this trap numerous times. Now I know how to respond. Thank you.
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Posted by: Casey
This is great info! I just had an interview Wednesday and was asked that EXACT question! I followed it with my professional experience and how I work myself up. I got the call yesterday that the job was mine. HA!
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Posted by: CLARA BALAJADIA
This article is the best i've ever read. It gives me an idea of how I conduct myself during a job interview. Thanks for the input.
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Posted by: James R.
The simple reality of the entire process is that most HR personnel are not qualified to make psychological judgment calls on anyone; let alone someone they have fewer than 15 minutes to "know". We're all being analyzed by some mystic belief that they've been trained to find the best of the best, through their extensive "training". In fact, they have ZERO proof of their expertise, mainly because the best worker was probably overlooked simply because they didn't answer some trick question the "proper" way. You can't declare the chosen employee "the best", if you can't compare their actual work to the other candidates. You've only chosen the best interviewee, not the best WORK candidate.The fact that each HR personnel has their own personal spin on the "proper" answer makes the entire process seemingly fruitless. Add in the number of people in HR that are clearly not qualified (as noted in the above examples) and the process becomes absurd.Obviously, there's no perfect method to finding the best work candidate, but trick questions have become the norm; to the detriment of truly good workers and to all employers. We've all been stuck picking up the slack from co-workers more intent on working the system than actually working; those are the people, that more often than not, excel at those trick questions.Still, it's helpful to know information like this; we're obligated to play the game even w/ limited knowledge of the rules.
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Posted by: Daniel Onyambu
I recently fell into this trap. I wish I had read this article before that interview. Now I know and thank you very much for this info.
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Posted by: chetraj sing Bagratee
Thank you very much. It's really a very good information to get the first foot ahead in an interwiew. I want to learn more...
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Posted by: Tyra Kora
You are so right, I worked for a large banking institution and those are illegal questions, we couldn't ask anyone opening an account any of those questions. So it can't be asked in an interview either.
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Posted by: TR Wilmac
Great information. I've always been annoyed at this question because it leaves me feeling as if I wasted my time sending my resume. Not only does my resume listed my education and work history but it also list organizations & community activities that I am involved with. If a recuriter truly posses interviewing skills, the essence of who I am and the potential fit to their company should be obvious. I would like to read your suggestion on how to get a foot in the employment door when one is just about 50 and have been out of the work force for 3 years to pursue and have obtained a BA.
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Posted by: Joseph Gonzalez
Thank you writer of this article. I did not know I had the right to be evasive and protect my privacy and my family. Good to know. Three cheers for good people like you.
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Posted by: edner guintu
thank you the information.
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Posted by: Michael McGahan
I'd like to pass along one other tip I got and have used. After you have told the interviewer about yourself, you can very gently put the ball back in his court by asking, "Is there anything specific you would like to discuss?" Or words to that effect. In this manner, you are subtely shifting his focus back to your experience and background and away from your personal life.
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Posted by: Cheryl Crane
Make sure your Facebook doesn't give out too much free information about your family life. If HR people are really looking at your on-line presence, they could pick up the very same "tell me about yourself" information from your Facebook and decide right then and there to skip calling for an interview. I am a highly qualified senior professional with 6 grandchildren, but that is none of the prospective employers business.
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Posted by: Chastity Harrison
To Kathleen: Your response should've been...IDK, I'm still undecided on my major! Secondly, you SHOULD enroll in a night class at a local college. You win! You've answered his question honestly(LOL!) and the class(es) can't hurt!!!!
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Posted by: Karen Fitts
I am truly glad to have read this post. I have been asked this question many times and have provided the "professional" response. I have also been asked directly, "How old are your children?" without me indicating that I have children. This question was asked to obtain an approximate age. Unfortunately, there are a lot of employers out there that are discriminating against older people, especially women. A lot of temporary agencies are also guilty of this practice.
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Posted by: SUNDAY SEDRACK
I appreciate your knowledge and sharing, i've learned a lot from you because, whenever i met that question, i would right away go to my personel life style and tend to go away my profession. thanks a lot. Sedrack
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Posted by: Peak Recruiters
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and expertise on this subject. This is a tricky question and certainly one you want to answer properly.
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Posted by: Ian Durgadeen
Thank you, That is helpfulI've gotten caught in that trap before
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Posted by: Ravi kishore
Thank you very much for your valuable information, and i will pass it on.
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Posted by: Sue
As a Human Resource Manager for over 10 years, I would look at this situation in a completely different light. I would never think of asking such broad questions for fear of the personal information that may be offered. If I ask this question and someone tells me they are a disabled, minority, war veteran with 18 children and I don't hire them, they could easily make a cry of discrimination. There are people who actually do this "for a living". I don't ever want to invite this type of information sharing. If someone does manage to sneak in some personal information during the interview, I immediately stop them and inform them that this type of information is not needed and will not be used as part of the hiring decision. I would strongly discourage anyone from asking this question to potential candidates. You may get far more than you bargained for.
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Posted by: Gina
Thank you so much for sharing. I never knew how to answer that question but now I do. It's so tough out there right now so it's nice to have little advantage when you walk into an interview.
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Posted by: Marinella
That was great and very helpful.I have another questionwhat you do when your ex employer gives you bad reference, (even worst - not eligible for rehire) just because you were injured on that job, got disabled for few months and he didn't like that. Just using the chance for revenge?do I have any legal rights? is there any law that can protect me?
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Posted by: Lucia
Once I have been asked by a potential employer "if I have any work restrictions in USA?". I said no, then she asked for "a legal answer, like are you over 18, that type of thing?". I said "yes, I am over 18", then she said "I need a legal answer" to which I responded "yes, I am legally in US, I am a citizen, why? you wonder about my accent?" I never heard from her again, other than a "thank you email" a few days later. Anyone has any idea...was this a legal question?
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Posted by: Christopher
Interesting thread, but how far can it go? For instance, should candidates remove their wedding rings before interviews? One way or another, we reveal personal information every time we interact with other people.
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Posted by: Janice
Another take on this question is: Tell me about your worse boss and your worse boss. Keep the answer completely professional. I didn't because I knew the interviewer from a previous job, felt comfortable sharing and lost the job I was applying for. So whether you know the interviewer from a previous job or not, always praise your previous boss. Mention the bad or good boss each had different management styles that you were able to adapt to. period. I wish I'd have given that answer instead of the answers I gave!
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Posted by: Jim
Actually none of this makes any difference in the world today. All the Human Resources person is looking for is a YOUNG, WARM, BODY, which can be acquired for the least amount of money, looks like it is trainable, and looks and sounds like they will stick with the company through thick and thin and exist on the "small" salary offered.
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Posted by: charles chrismon
I understand the concept of this article because I used to do the same thing. When I was asked "Tell me a little about yourself" I would start rattling off everything I could to attempt to create a personal relationship with the interviewer. I found that giving too much information was slitting my own throat even though I was only attempting to befriend the interviewer in order to better my chances to "fit" and get the job. Thank you for confirming what I found out the hard way.
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Posted by: Diana Leigh
I was recently asked at an interview to describe my day and what I did when I got home. Weird questions not ones I really felt were appropriate.
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Posted by: Patsy
I really appreciate the insight into what HR people are asking with their questions. I did have a potential employer ask me one time, "Do you mind telling me how old you are?" I responded, "I'm from the generation that has a strong work ethic." He didn't ask any more illegal questions.
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Posted by: Antonette
Oh my gosh...this is such an excellent advice...Thank you so much!Everyday, I always learn something new and valuable. Next time I go for interview, I will keep it professional.
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Posted by: Godfrey
tell us more!
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Posted by: Brian
I used this regularly for two reasons neither having to do with plots or descrimination:1 Many people leave stuff off their resumes which increases their value. If you have a small or mid size company hiring folks that can do more than 1 thing has value2 A lot of engineers are non verbal to the point of autisim and interviews are stressful If you give someone a chance to tell their story in their own way and they can't do that you know if you hire them you lok rm in a room, throw in meat and let them be brilliant with no customer contact
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Posted by: zdzislaw juszczyk
I would like to thank "Sue" for her insight about not asking personnal questions. Never occured to me to use that question against the employer, mainly because I would rather earn the money! As the articles above keep mentioning "Best Fit", I seriouly do not believe that in their context they are stating. I've worked in a major company (2 Letters) and the "best fit" to their definition was one that they can intiminate without reprisale, willing to be exploited, work cheap and have little knowledge of their rigts! Hight turn over rate is OK, No insurance, no real liabilities, etc. by hiring through temp agencies.
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Posted by: Mary
Wow. I didn't realize how this could affect a possible job hire. Nice to know for the next interview.
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Posted by: Ms. Kelley
Good article a lot of employers need to know what questions are illegal cause some push your buttons for example I interviewed with a doctor's office that happened to be in private practice for interal medicine and prescribed medication for addictions and also did group therapy in the office with a LCSW leading it. The doctor's wife had a paper and I noticed one of two of her questions was if I was married with children. I am not I volunteered to tell her this because she wanted who was hired to have flexibility as the clinic was only open to those clients that could come for doc appointments and group therapy. I would work front office catering to doctor's needs and the phone. No billing except what addicts could afford?? No thanks I moved on. Addiction is serious people do need help.
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Posted by: Arnold Sliter
More specifically, ask the interviewer what they want to know. We don't need to waste time beating around the bush.
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Posted by: Constance M L - Roberson
I read over a few of the responses to your article. Sorry I ran out of time their were so many. I was just curious is that the only trick question that comes to mind?Thank you for your reply.
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Posted by: Linda
Getting ready to return to the work force, WOW what an eye opener. Thanks
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Posted by: Rachel
i like this article and its very valuable...
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Posted by: Jim
This is also another way of getting you to reveal your age. I've been mostly unemployed for nearly 3 years and I know a great deal of my problem has to do with my age and there are unfortunately far too many sources a potential employer can look at to determine that.Although I'm 57 and look 10 to 15 years younger, age discrimination is a very real threat. It's tempting to tell a potential employer about all the experience I've had in my industry. I highlight the most relevant and don't give dates except for the past 10 years.
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Posted by: Linda
So what do you do when they say this job requires you to stand on your feet for 8 hours, some lifting and it is fast paced. You have been doing these things for the past 20 years. I'm thinking it has something to do with the white hair on my head.
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Posted by: Michele
Good article. Thanks!
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Posted by: JEFFREY
Whatever happened to just talking to a person and getting to know what their like? Now you have to answer all these bs questions and all employers have to know every little detail about you and yet all they're willing to tell you is that it's a job. I wish things were the way they used to be.
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Posted by: Heather
Helpful article. I have failed on this question several times, trying to explain "gaps in employment" due to being medically disabled and then recovering from a full lung transplant. I am proud of my "gift of life" but I know that this information can be used to disqualify me from a job. I am tired of not being able to just talk to the recruiter, instead I have felt like I was being submitted to some crazy psychological test to find my weaknesses.
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Posted by: Anthony
Its a game to companies. It seems that HR and people that need jobs is just a game to HR or the hiring people. I've had several interviews for jobs that I have held for over 15 years. I'm licensed and have the needed experience.I get questions that don't have anything to do with the job. I've taken tests that are in a different field all together. I have flown 1/2 way across the country at my expense to find out that the bosses brother-in-law was going to be hired. That trip cost me $900.00.I really need a job and would like to find a way to find sincere people that really need a good employee.
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Posted by: Richard Oppenheimer
Excellent article. Funny, when things turn around and HR people can't fill positions because all the talent is taken, this shoe goes on another foot. I suggest HR people behave themselves and act fairly, legally, and professionally. What goes around comes around, friends, and soon HR will be begging people just to come in for an interview. Either way, professionalism and legal knowledge should be the guideline, not today's job market.
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Posted by: Maureen On: 7/7/2010 8:53:09 AM
James R. took the words out of my mouth. It's a shame that HR bases their decision on someone who can "Talk the Talk" instead of someone who can "Walk the Walk". If I was an interviewer I would prefer to interview someone who is genuine instead of someone who is playing "The game".
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Posted by: Teri On: 7/7/2010 9:59:33 PM
Great help. Have interview coming up shortly, and this will be a good review. When you've worked for 1 company for many, many years, it's hard to get back into the grove to 'sell yourself'.
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Posted by: JaCo On: 8/20/2010 11:30:07 AM
My wife is from Chile and here are a few things that are common: A photo on the resume (they like pretty women in up-front positions and will disqualify ugly, homely, old or disabled people); resume must contain birth date, sex and marital status. You can be asked if you plan to have children (because the company doesn't want to pay for hospitalization). It's really a good thing we have anti-discrimination laws in place, although it seems like it still exists - just covertly.
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