These questions are often emotionally charged, since they delve into personal perils, family feuds, and status symbols. Therefore, rehearsing your lines in this area is particularly important, because what you say is as crucial as what you convey.
While most of the questions in this area have only marginal value in determining your qualifications to perform a specific job, you must get past them so that you can get down to business with the interviewer. That is why they are called "KO factors" (knockout factors). Wrong answers will knock you out in Round 1; right ones will keep you in the ring like Rocky.
Personal and family items are commonly found on the front of application forms, and at the beginning of interview checklists. Because you can expect these questions early in the screen test, I have provided your cue cards early in this section.
Q. What is your father's occupation? Your mother's?
(Think your answer through. Avoid saying anything negative like, "My father was just a janitor," or "My mother didn't work." Show pride in your background and heritage, even if you regard it as very humble. "My father was a custodial supervisor, and my mother ran a busy home" is more positive.
Be careful about overstating, too. Avoid an answer like "My father is the leading brain surgeon in the state and my mother is a retired Superior Court judge." In such cases, "My father is a surgeon and my mother is an attorney and former judge" positions you properly.)
Q. Do you live with your parents?
(It's okay if you do. Even mature adults are finding it financially beneficial to share expenses with their parents. Give the impression that you made a responsible financial decision.)
A. Yes, I moved back in with my parents after I discovered that over half my net income was being used to pay for rent and utilities. We have an economic arrangement that allows me to save for my future, while I'm around to help them maintain our home. We all benefit, and we have been able to develop a strong friendship as three adults.
Q. Were you in the military service? Where and when?
(If yes, give dates and where stationed. Mention briefly any training or experience that relates directly to the target position.)
Q. Do you own or rent your home?
(This is one of those questions that attempts to establish your stability. The translation is, "Are you a responsible member of the community?" Answer briefly and honestly. If you are renting while you save to buy your own home, mention where you've been looking. If you haven't, start now with a call to a local real estate agent.)
A. (I/we) purchased our home in_(name of town) in_(year).
(Or:)
(I am/we are) currently renting a (house/unit) in (name of town), but (I'm/we're) looking for (my/our) own home in the area.
Q. How far do you live from this company?
(If you currently live farther away than what would be considered a reasonable commuting distance, you might mention you would be willing to locate nearer the company's offices if hired.)
A. I clocked it on my way here today. I'm exactly 10 miles door to door, and it took me 17 minutes to get here. A breeze.
(Or:)
The ride here today was 40 miles, and with moderate traffic it took almost an hour. I don't mind commuting that far twice a day-I like to get an early start on my day anyway. If I were hired, however, I would probably investigate the real estate market in the immediate area.
Q. Do you speak a foreign language?
(If you speak another language fluently, by all means say so. This is an asset. However, if you took Spanish or French in school but cannot remember more than two or three phrases, simply mention that you understand the language better than you speak it. Try this answer:)
A. I studied (high school/college) and enjoyed it. I'd like to get some language tapes and increase my fluency.
Q. How much time do you spend with your family?
(Be careful to project a balanced attitude here. This can be a touchy subject. You may be dealing with an interviewer who is work-oriented and lives by the credo, "Work is not only the way to make a living, it's the way to make a life." Or, you may be talking to one who recognizes the importance of a family. Before you answer, scope out the situation; Look around the office for family photos, desk accessories made by children, and the like. The following is your basic "generic" answer. Customize it as necessary.)
A. I suppose I spend an average amount. My family is important to me. My great relationship with them gives me the best reason in the world to succeed in my career. In that way, they are an inspiration. I have a responsibility to my job as well as to my family, since I've made a strong commitment to both. I like to be there for them when they need me, but they also understand and accept the commitment I have made to my work. So I spend my time accordingly.
Q. Is your spouse employed? Will there be a conflict?
(This is one of those logical but unnecessary questions that is often asked. If you answer it in a neutral way, the interviewer will go on to something else. But if you indicate there is a conflict, it could reduce your chances of being hired. The following answer usually works well.)
A. Yes, my_(husband/wife) is a_ (computer programmer/astronaut) for_. We have always been a two-career couple, and we have made the arrangements necessary to accommodate our careers.
Q. What child care arrangements have been made for your children?
(While this question was rarely, if ever, asked of a male applicant in the past, it is and should be an employer's concern no matter who is applying for the job. Over half the children in America today are being raised by single heads of household or have two working parents, and the lack of quality child care is a problem that can intrude upon any parent's work life. Letting the inter viewer know you have worked out a solid solution will show your sense of responsibility to those important people in your life, as well as to your work.)
A. Our children attend an excellent nursery school and day care center near our home. The youngest is there all day, and the oldest is dropped off after school. Usually, my (husband/wife) picks them up at night, while I have responsibility for morning drop-off. If work commitments prevent both of us from getting there by six, when they close, there is a responsible neighbor who picks them up, brings them home, and prepares dinner for them.
Q. Have you any chronic health conditions we should consider?
(If not, then simply answer, "No." The question is illegal, and the interviewer is asking for your opinion. The only time you should answer this question positively is if you do have a condition that will become evident in a pre-employment physical, like diabetes. In that case, you might answer:)
A. Nothing that would interfere with my work performance. I have had diabetes for years, but I control it very successfully and unobtrusively. It has never become an issue in my work; and, aside from my family, only my doctor knows. It isn't a secret-it just has nothing to do with performing the job.
