INTRODUCTION:
A job seeker asked, “Should I reply to personal questions about professionalism, job search, recruitment, confidentiality, workplace, that a recruiter, who I just met, asks me?”
INITIAL RESPONSE:
I wish I had more context surrounding this question. Without, I must admit that I was a bit confused by it, because if you’re speaking with a recruiter, you’re likely a job seeker. So, you should expect a recruiter to ask questions. Regardless, here are some reasons why I recommend that a job seeker answer such questions from a recruiter.
REASONS DETAILED:
- PERSONAL VS. PROFESSIONAL QUESTIONS – Personal questions would be about your family life, your ethnicity, your gender preference, your religion, etc. In addition, they are all inappropriate to be asked during a selection process. The questions that this job seeker described are not personal questions. They are questions that a recruiter for your potential next employer will logically ask. Their goal is a assess your level of integrity, ethics, compliance with policy, level of professionalism, sound judgement, etc. They need to know that their new employee (hopefully you) will represent their organization positively…not exhibit poor professionalism and/or a lack of sound judgement.
- IF YOU DECIDE TO NOT ANSWER THEM, YOU MAY NOT GET AN OFFER – You should not respond to inappropriate interview questions. Instead, during your interview prep, you should practice a respectful response to such questions. However, if you refuse to respond to perfectly appropriate questions, you will likely not be considered further.
- JOB SEARCH QUESTIONS – Recruiters will sometimes ask job seekers if they are in an active job search. When I interviewed for my current job, I had just received a verbal offer. I knew that my interview with them was going well. So, when they asked, I told them that I was waiting for my official offer letter from another employer. That let them know that I may not be available much longer. It worked out well. I will happily be at my current job five years next February.
IN CONCLUSION:
The bottom line is that, as a job seeker, you will have to answer questions. The interviewer or recruiter might perceive you as being untrustworthy if you are hesitant to answer questions. Know what questions are inappropriate for an interview and practice a business-appropriate response to them, just in case. Also, know the appropriate steps to take if you feel that you are a victim of discriminatory hiring practices.
I hope that today’s post has been helpful to you. If so, please share it. Then, like it, subscribe, comment, or ask a question. I might feature your comment or question in a future post.
I’m Cynthia O, and as always…
Career Search Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!
