Final answer:
In a job interview, appropriate responses to unlawful questions include questioning the relevance of the question, asking if it's permitted, or stating discomfort in answering. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission provides guidance and protection against discrimination during the hiring process. Staying informed about your rights is crucial for handling such situations. The correct option is O all of the above.
Step-by-step explanation:
When faced with an unlawful question during a job interview, the most professional and respectful ways to respond include asking the interviewer to clarify how the answer to the question would relate to job performance, questioning the appropriateness of the question with "Are you allowed to ask that?" or simply stating that you do not feel comfortable answering the question. While you may be caught off guard by such questions, it's essential to remember your rights and to handle the situation with poise. You are not required to disclose any information that pertains to legally protected characteristics such as age, marital status, nationality, and the like.
For instance, among the provided examples, the question "Which state were you born in?" is an unlawful question s it could potentially reveal your national origin, which is a protected characteristic. It's important not to answer such questions directly but to gauge the relevant connection to the job, if any. If wrongfully asked in an interview, questioning why such information is necessary can help protect you from potential discrimination and remind the interviewer of appropriate and legal hiring practices. If discrimination is suspected, contacting the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is recommended.
Additionally, while you have a right to remain silent, it pertains more to legal contexts such as interrogations and doesn't directly apply to job interviews. However, the underlying principle of not being compelled to answer potentially incriminating or discriminatory questions does carry over. Keeping knowledgeable about your rights ensures you can navigate through unlawful questions professionally and confidently.