"Interview Tip" Question!

Tell me about your previous employer or boss, what are some things they could do to improve?

Be careful! This question is tricky. It is asked to see if you are going to speak negatively about your previous employer. Most agree speaking negatively about a previous employer/boss is a red flag in an interview and can cost you the job.

I believe it is OK to be truthful, but how do you present it? An example might be, "My relationship with previous employer/boss was a professional one. At times, however, there were communication issues. Not just with me, but with my co-workers also. When that happened, I would simply revisit the task to make sure I understood what was expected of me." #disability #jobs #interviewtip #AWU

"Interview Tip" Question!

Tell me about your previous employer or boss, what are some things they could do to improve?

Be careful! This question is tricky. It is asked to see if you are going to speak negatively about your previous employer. Most agree speaking negatively about a previous employer/boss is a red flag in an interview and can cost you the job.

I believe it is OK to be truthful, but how do you present it? An example might be, "My relationship with previous employer/boss was a professional one. At times, however, there were communication issues. Not just with me, but with my co-workers also. When that happened, I would simply revisit the task to make sure I understood what was expected of me." #disability #jobs #interviewtip #AWU

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

"Interview Tip"

A question NOT to ask at the end of your Interview!

Did I Get the Job?

Many people ask this question in jest, while others pose it genuinely. However, this question that can be perceived as presumptuous, unprofessional, and even insecure. Please refrain from asking it.

The interviewer may not be the final decision maker. What is fair to ask in my opinion is "Do I have your support"? If you ask this question, however, be prepared for the interviewer to give you a negative response or no response which is the same. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

"Interview Tip"

A question NOT to ask at the end of your Interview!

Did I Get the Job?

Many people ask this question in jest, while others pose it genuinely. However, this question that can be perceived as presumptuous, unprofessional, and even insecure. Please refrain from asking it.

The interviewer may not be the final decision maker. What is fair to ask in my opinion is "Do I have your support"? If you ask this question, however, be prepared for the interviewer to give you a negative response or no response which is the same. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip

"Interview Tip"

Should you ask the Interviewer "Why should I work for you?’

NO! Remember you’ve applied for the position, it is up to you to decide if the culture fits what you are looking for. The interviewer can assume that you want to work there, so it can make things awkward if you’re looking for the interviewer to pitch the job to you. Instead, consider asking something like "What do your employees love most about working here?" #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

"Interview Tip"

Should you ask the Interviewer "Why should I work for you?’

NO! Remember you’ve applied for the position, it is up to you to decide if the culture fits what you are looking for. The interviewer can assume that you want to work there, so it can make things awkward if you’re looking for the interviewer to pitch the job to you. Instead, consider asking something like "What do your employees love most about working here?" #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip

"Interview Tip"

Should you or shouldn't you ask the Interviewer the question ‘Is the salary negotiable?’

Of course salary questions are necessary, I would recommend not asking about salary in the first interview. It could be detrimental to you. Instead, send a follow-up email to thank the interviewer for their time and ask them what the next steps are.

As you know, in today's work environment there are usually multiple interviews before an offer is made. If you move on to a later stage, I believe it would then be appropriate to start talking about salary. Timing is key! #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

"Interview Tip"

Should you or shouldn't you ask the Interviewer the question ‘Is the salary negotiable?’

Of course salary questions are necessary, I would recommend not asking about salary in the first interview. It could be detrimental to you. Instead, send a follow-up email to thank the interviewer for their time and ask them what the next steps are.

As you know, in today's work environment there are usually multiple interviews before an offer is made. If you move on to a later stage, I believe it would then be appropriate to start talking about salary. Timing is key! #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip

Illegal Interview Question!

"Are You Married or Do You Have Children?"

This question appears harmless but is illegal to ask.

To ask about your marital status or family background violates anti-discrimination laws such as the Civil Rights Act. This sort of question comes with unfair presumptions about your availability or work commitment (particularly for women). Employers need to determine whether you fit the job or not — not how you conduct your personal life.

Know your rights. I wouldn't call the interviewer out on the spot. I would simply say something like "I have a happy life outside of work." After the interview if you felt violated you can file a complaint. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

Illegal Interview Question!

"Are You Married or Do You Have Children?"

This question appears harmless but is illegal to ask.

To ask about your marital status or family background violates anti-discrimination laws such as the Civil Rights Act. This sort of question comes with unfair presumptions about your availability or work commitment (particularly for women). Employers need to determine whether you fit the job or not — not how you conduct your personal life.

Know your rights. I wouldn't call the interviewer out on the spot. I would simply say something like "I have a happy life outside of work." After the interview if you felt violated you can file a complaint. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtip