When you’re applying for a job, you might unexpectedly seek yourself in a vulnerable position. Not all job interviewers have the similar ethical standards, regrettably, and getting hit on during a job interview can happen. What should you do? How should you manage the situation? You are entitled to legal protection from unsuitable behavior, even in a job interview. The same protections that cover employees apply to applicants for employment. This post will let you know about the behavior of job interviewer.

Interview Queries Employers Should Not Ask

Not just are there certain queries that should not be asked during a job interview, but it is not suitable for a job interviewer to breach your personal space, or to imply that your job prospects will be impacted by your response to a request for intimacy.

How to Manage Inappropriate Questions of Job Interviewer

The best response to unsuitable questions relies on the nature and severity of the interviewer’s transgressions.  In the case where you are asked questions about your personal life, relationship status or sexual preferences, you have several options:

• You can politely inquire about the relevance of the query to your suitability for the job and mention your preference for sticking to relevant topics. You might say, “I don’t see how this relates to my qualifications for the position. I would be more comfortable if we discussed aspects of my candidacy that are directly relevant to the job.”

• In case to steer the conversation in another direction, you can follow up with a question about a certain part of the job. For example, you could add, “I saw that you are looking for an applicant with experience in business-to-business marketing. Could you tell me more about what B2B partnerships are already in place here?”

• If the query seems innocuous to you, you can answer the question briefly and then change the subject. For example, if asked, “Do you have a partner who would be moving with you?” you can answer with a simple yes or no, and then steer the conversation to other topics.
• If the job interviewer persists in asking inappropriate questions, then you might need to state your view firmly that the question is off base and denies answering.
• As a last resort, you might report your experience to the Director of Human Resources or a division manager in a superior position to the interviewer.  At that point, you can also appeal the opportunity to interview with another individual if you’re still interested in the job.

How to Manage Unsuitable Behavior

Instances where a job interviewer makes physical contact, other than a handshake, ask you to spend time alone outside of the interview setting, or shares a personal phone number or address with an invitation to connect can be far more disturbing. In this type of situation, you have several methods of deflection:

• First, you should make an attempt to deflect any physical contact by moving or indicating your disapproval via your body language.
• You can also politely refuse any invitations, and state that you would like to keep the dialogue on a professional level.

• Ultimately, if the job interviewer persists, you should simply state your discomfort, leave the interview, and immediately report the incident to a person in authority at the employer.  You can request an interview with another representative if you wish to continue with the employer. If the organization takes no action, then you will know for sure that the employer is not for you.

When the Job is On the Line

The most crucial violation by a job interviewer involves a statement or powerful implication that your status as a job applicant will be influenced by whether you comply with a request for intimacy.  In this case, you should immediately leave the interview, and inform the employer of the transgression.

If the job interviewer is your prospective boss, you should consider twice about proceeding.  If the interviewer is a Human Resources Representative, his or her behavior may or may not be indicative of an institutional issue.

Finally, if you’re not given a fair chance to secure a position with that employer, then you might need to consult a labor attorney regarding your options for redress on the basis of sexual harassment.