2007-06-06 12:51:05 · 7 answers · asked by Landon C 1 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment ➔ Law & Legal
Absolutely not.
They ask because they want to know if you have a reason to move to/remain in the area where the job is, or because they are just making small talk and don't know what else to say.
2007-06-06 12:54:33 · answer #1 · answered by Mel 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is legal but it's unethical. They shouldn't be asking 'personal' questions, such as your age, if you have kids, who you live with, sexual preference, religious preference, etc. I would be wary of this in a potential employer. It may lead to discrimination. However, if the interview was going good (such as perhaps a joke or laugh here and there, as well as asking when you can start or what your salary range is, etc.) Maybe they interviewer just wanted to get to know you a little better. However, if the interview was a bit bland, like the same old interview routine, I would shy away from this potential employer and search on!
2007-06-06 19:57:06 · answer #2 · answered by Sara 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the interview was asking you questions about your personal life, it was probably a sign that the interview was going well. They wanted to know more about you as a human being and not just a list of qualifications. Hopefully you answered their question honestly and maybe asked the interview a similar question too. Good luck!
2007-06-06 20:16:06 · answer #3 · answered by koi-ness 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's only illegal to ask if and when you plan on starting a family. But this question sounds safe and they may be trying to see if you plan on sticking around; for instance, if you're single they may see you as a potential flight risk, because you don't have roots in the area.
It does seem lame, because I moved to a new state to escape my family and I've been here nearly 20 years.
2007-06-06 20:08:48 · answer #4 · answered by LifesAMystery 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's probably legal, but not exactly a good interview question. They might have just been chatting, trying to "break the ice".
2007-06-06 20:06:16 · answer #5 · answered by Judy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's really illegal. It doesn't sound discriminatory. If you have family in the area, you may be more "settled" in the community and less likely to want to pick up and move somewhere else. If they're going to invest in a new employee, they don't want to lose them anytime soon.
2007-06-06 19:56:48 · answer #6 · answered by Angie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They want to know about your personal life, because they want to ensure you are a good fit. They can't ask if you are married, have kids, are gay, but they can go through the loophole by asking about "family".
Just tell them the truth.
2007-06-06 20:47:57 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋