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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 On: 9/29/2009 1:17:08 PM
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 On: 9/29/2009 3:21:01 PM
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 On: 9/29/2009 11:32:13 PM
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 On: 9/30/2009 2:16:50 AM
thank you the information.
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Posted by: Michael McGahan On: 9/30/2009 9:48:32 AM
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 On: 9/30/2009 12:30:39 PM
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 On: 10/1/2009 1:19:41 PM
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 On: 10/13/2009 2:56:36 PM
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 On: 10/16/2009 2:50:22 AM
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 On: 10/21/2009 1:27:04 AM
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 On: 11/5/2009 12:02:41 AM
Thank you, That is helpfulI've gotten caught in that trap before
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