It’s interesting; you would think that companies would train their management – at least those that are conducting interviews to know the appropriate way to conduct the interview. The questions asked of you must be totally related to the job – whether you can perform the essential functions of the role. When asked an illegal question you can decline to answer (this will probably result in not being called back); answer (and risk of giving the ‘wrong’ answer); or simply respond that you can meet the job requirements as stipulated.

Here are some questions that you should be wary of:

Are you a citizen of the United States? Employers are not allowed to ask this question. This has nothing to do with ability. They can ask if you are authorized to work in the U.S. since being a legal resident or citizen is required to be employed here.

How old are you? This is a definite no-no. How old you are has nothing whatsoever to do with whether you can perform the job. If you are qualified and can fulfill the job requirements – then that is all they need to know.

Are you married? How many children do you have? Who will care for your children when you are working? These questions and other similar questions are asked to determine whether you will be able to commit to the job and spend the required time at the office or traveling. This information is private; again, having nothing to do with the job. If the job requires overtime or travel, the potential employer can ask about your ability to meet a travel schedule or work overtime.

Do you have an illnesses / disabilities? A disability or illness that does not hamper your ability to perform in a role does not need to be mentioned to a potential employer.

Have you been arrested? What they can ask is: have you ever been convicted of a crime? Depending on the level of severity, this can adversely affect your application.

There are many other questions that a potential employer is not allowed to ask – this is merely a sample. The best way to be prepared to perform well during the interview is to make sure you are fully acquainted with your background and have an understanding of what you should and should not be asked. Do some research to uncover those questions that are – well, questionable. You need to serve as your own advocate during the search. Information and knowledge will enable you to uncover opportunities and ensure that you are aware of your rights during the process.

While the questions above are off limits, it is possible that you might encounter someone who will ask one or more of these questions. So, what do you do in this case? As I mentioned above, it is inadvisable to point out the error of the interviewer’s ways. Simply state that you don’t have any issues performing the role as described; you can meet the job requirements, and possess the confidence, skills, and dedication necessary to contribute as a valued member of the organization.

What made you decide to come work here? People like to talk about themselves, and this question will prompt the interviewer to reveal things about herself that you might not otherwise come to understand. This is particularly important to allow you to connect on a personal level. You can use this as an opportunity to reference a common interest when you follow up after the interview. In the best case, you will find that you have something in common, which will make your interview more memorable – not to mention the fact that you will be more likable as well.

What do you like about the company? This is a good question because it will allow the interviewer to provide clear information about the positive aspects of the company. You can learn about the company’s mission and vision from the perspective of someone that works there. It is different than reading about it on the web in a corporate bio. This will also give you the opportunity to learn some specifics regarding the goals of the department where you might be working.

What type of person are you looking for? Of course you both want to ensure that you are a good fit for the role and that the company is a good fit for you. This question will allow you to understand something about the personality type that will be a strong fit in a new environment. You can reflect on your own personality characteristics to ensure that there is a strong match.

Can you describe a typical day here? Want to get some quick information regarding the daily grind? This question will allow you to understand what you can expect. Of course you are not going to get a full course meal out of this question; but it will certainly give you enough ammunition to understand if the environment will be a good fit for you from both a personal and professional perspective.

Is there any reason why you wouldn’t hire me to fill this role? This is a critical question. If there is something that the interviewer is looking for that has not been covered, you will now have the opportunity to discuss it and highlight key examples that make you a strong fit. This can make or break the interview – you don’t want to leave the interviewer with any questions about your ability to perform in the environment. This question will enable you to cover important points that you might have otherwise failed to present about your qualifications.

Here are a few more questions that you also might consider:

• What are some of the things you would like to have done differently around here?
• Would I be able to meet some of the people that I would potentially be working with?
• What are the standard operating hours?

Finally, and most importantly – if you want the job SAY SO! Don’t leave the interview without expressing the fact that you want the role (if that’s the case). Something like: I have enjoyed meeting you, and learning about the position. I think it is a good fit for us both, and I would absolutely join your team if given the opportunity.

Asking questions during the interview process is important for both you and the hiring manager. You might be surprised at what you learn! The information will allow you to make an informed decision when the time comes, and certainly can prevent you from accepting a position that might not meet your needs.

Most of the time, you have no idea that you are giving off these signals. They are quite automatic. Oftentimes you have no idea that you are conveying what you are thinking in your body language. You can exhibit some control over negative body language with improved self-awareness and practice.

Here are some negative gestures to think about and avoid:

Crossing your arms in front of you: This signals that you are resistant to ideas and not open to others’ opinions. When speaking with people – especially during an interview keep your hands in your lap. When standing, keep hands at your sides.

Looking down when speaking: Looking down is a sign that you are disinterested or feel inferior. Make sure you maintain eye contact without staring. This will let the other person subliminally know that you are interested in what they have to say. If the eyes are the window to the soul, looking at someone when you are talking to them is a strong indicator that you are engaged. Eye contact is good; staring is creepy!

Checking your watch: There is nothing that screams boredom more than the continuous checking of the time. Do not look at your watch when speaking with someone. You want to convey continued interest in what they are saying. The exchange of information should be an engaging one – not a situation where you appear to be focused on something else.

False Smiling: A smile is one of the very best ways to communicate sincerity and a friendly, approachable demeanor. Don’t force a smile or smile the entire time. That will look odd and raise questions in the mind of the person you are interacting with. A natural smile will resonate during the interview. A genuine smile involves the entire face – a fake forced smile uses only the mouth – and studies indicate that people are very good at seeing the differences.

Poor Posture: Standing up straight with your shoulders back displays confidence and self-assuredness. Slouching immediately makes you look smaller and is indicative of lack of self-confidence. Your posture serves to deliver a clear and positive message about how you should be treated. Leave a lasting positive impression with good posture.

Avoid inappropriate body language and learn how to identify it in others. Make sure you prepare and feel good about yourself to feel good about your interactions with people you know as well as people you are meeting for the first time.

1. Tell me about yourself.

This is an interesting question. It is very open ended and will allow you to present something about your background; it doesn’t necessarily have to be a regurgitation of your early career history. You can use this as an opportunity to engage with the interviewer on a more personal level. Perhaps you recently built a house for Habitat for Humanity or spent some time abroad – you can discuss those things to answer this question. Be careful that you don’t talk too long. Keep your answer short – but it might represent an opportunity for you to help the reader understand a dimension of your personality that might not otherwise be uncovered during the interview.

2. What do you know about the company?

Before entering any interview you should always do research on the company. It is so easy to get information either online or at the local library. Take the time to conduct some research about the company, including its history, recent press, business ventures (where applicable), corporate philosophy, and leadership. You should be able to articulate something interesting you learned about them. Again, don’t talk too long. You don’t want to come off as a know it all. You should express interest in learning more about the company’s focus and the position (of course).

3. From what you have learned about the company and position, why do you want to work for us?

This is an opportunity for you to present your qualifications and things you have done previously that would be applicable to their business. Make sure you stress how you would contribute to the company’s needs. Express why you find the position interesting, making sure to make connections between the role you are pursuing and the work you have done previously. For example, if you are applying for a position that has a strong financial component, your answer should include relevant analysis and findings. It is important that you tie your experiences to the value you bring to a new role.

4. If hired, what is one of the first things you would do to make an impact?

If you have done your homework on the company and position, you will have an idea of some of the things they are looking to accomplish. Come prepared to reference specific things you have done in the past and the timeframes it took you to complete them. Part of the interview process involves marketing yourself. Don’t be afraid to talk about your achievements and indicate how you would quickly meet a need for the new company. Reference your problem solving, motivation, and ability to work well as part of a group to achieve a common goal. No matter what, everything you discuss should be in a positive manner.

5. Where do you see yourself in five years?

I loathe this question! As ridiculous as I think the question is – people ask it ALL THE TIME during the interview process; so, I felt an obligation to include it here and give you an appropriate answer. You want to demonstrate commitment; and that is an important component to answering this question effectively. Consider mentioning that you enjoy challenging situations and work well in an environment that is participatory. You are committed and focused on those situations that will continue to allow you to grow while making a meaningful contribution.

Well, there you have it! My top five tough questions. Preparation is key. No matter what position you are interviewing for knowing your own background, competencies, strengths and areas for improvement, complemented by knowledge of the company will help ensure you shine when confronted with the tough questions.

Of course I have a few of my own ideas regarding the matter; I will share them with you here and hope that you can appreciate the humor. We have all experienced these things to varying degrees so here goes:

The Lunch-Hour Interview. How stressful is this? To interview during lunch you have to be able to go to your regular job, which might be casual dress. So, you bring a change of clothing in a shopping bag (how inconspicuous), which you will need to leave the office with so you can change in the bathroom at the company where the interview is being held. Naturally, you need to leave your office early so that you can get to the interview with enough time to change and wipe your brow of the perspiration that has formed there from the running around that you have done. You want to appear calm, cool, and collected during your meeting, so you will take a few minutes in the reception area to ‘get it together’. The quick change in the phone booth resumes once the interview is over because you have to get back into your ‘regular’ clothing or else the gig will be up when you arrive back at your office – seriously late from your ‘lunch’. Needless to say, lunchtime interviewing is not ideal unless the position you are pursuing is on another floor in the same building where you work. This presents other problems, of course that I won’t even get into here.

The Day-Off Interview. This situation is much more ideal; but, it also presents its challenges. You decide you are going to arrange for more than one interview to maximize your time. You have successfully coordinated three (yes, three interviews) in one day. You have enough time to make it to all of them. As long as the transportation system is working, there is no foreseeable problem. You are getting ready; the phone rings. It is Sally from the first company you are seeing. They need to push your appointment back 45 minutes due to various business circumstances. This should not be a problem; you left enough time to get to the second interview so you agree and forge ahead. The phone rings again; this time, it’s Jane from the second company. They need to move your appointment to the very end of the day for reasons not explained to you. This is an issue because you already have an appointment for company #3 at the end of the day. Looking at your schedule, you agree; as long as the stars are aligned you will arrive for the third planned interview gasping for your last breath – but hey, at least you will make it. You will deal with the sweat rolling down your back afterwards. As it turns out, you don’t have to worry after all; the third phone call that comes in is from company #3 needing to move the interview to an entirely different day! The moral of the story? You cannot plan for the unexpected. Taking the day off is a great idea; but you need to be prepared to accept (gracefully) changes that might throw a wrench in your plans.

The After-Hours Interview. It’s perfect. You were able to secure an interview at 6:30pm. You figure that the hiring manager must value your work ethic to even suggest such a thing. You are more than prepared (you have your shopping bag ready for action!) 6:00pm is approaching and the office has thinned out a bit. In about 10 minutes you are going to head for the door. The phone booth on the corner will serve as a perfect place to take you from Clark Kent to Superman. But wait, you hear footsteps; your boss approaches. Your heart is beating wildly when she innocently asks you to stay a bit longer to help her with a project. At first blush you think you can quickly accomplish the task. Of course, after further examination, you realize that ‘a bit longer’ is more like an hour longer. What do you do? You either make an excuse about your dog and an early closing at Doggie Haven or you bite the bullet and try to reschedule. Thinking about how you worked like a dog yourself to even get the interview for the job that you have determined is ‘perfect’ for you, you explain the dog situation in a somewhat halted and awkward way. Your boss regards you coolly and walks off; no doubt you think to contemplate your untimely demise, or at least burning you in effigy in the meantime. Shopping bag clutched in hand, you slink for the door.

You know what they say about “The best laid plans of mice and men…” Do what you can; and hope for the best! As my husband always says, “Life isn’t fair.” Certainly the career search process falls squarely into that category! Take it one interview at a time. Humor is a wonderful antidote for even the most perturbing situations.