I was asked in an interview whether I planned to have children. I answered honestly because I didn't want to work for a company that asks questions like that. I never got the job. Should I have played along?
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  • I used to be a supervisor for the state of Texas. I believe it's illegal to ask such questions. Do they ask the men similar questions? It could be... perceived as sexual discrimination. more

  • I don’t think you should have to “play along” with a question that has nothing to do with your qualifications or ability to perform the job. An... interview should focus on your experience, skills, availability, and what you can contribute to the organization.

    While not getting the position is disappointing, the question may have also given you valuable insight into the company’s culture. Sometimes an interview isn’t just about whether they want to hire you—it’s also about deciding whether you want to work for them.
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  • Maybe the job requires the one who can't have babies!

  • I don't find any problem in responding to such questions. You don't have to pre-judge. Just respond and allow fate to take it's corse

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  • You played your cards right. You don't have to cheat anyone at their game to beat them. The question was superfluous and moreover needless.

  • Playing along is absolutely bad for such company because having children or not having children is none of the company business. You actually did well... for been honest and if not having children is the company priority is better they hire barren na. more

  • Playing along is absolutely bad for such company because having children or not having children is none of the company business. You actually did well... for been honest and if not having children is the company priority is better they hire barren na. more

  • It’s none of their business. Record your interviews on your phone.

  • So many people immediately dismiss "character" questions as an affront. The LAW means absolutely nothing unless your going to sue! Which takes... money! No question should alter who and what you are. The truth is fine, but there was probably a better truth! Remember the hiring employer (manager) is probably an idiot who's home life sucks. Never attribute to malice what ignorance explains. Would you hire a nanny that didn't have children? Or a dog trainer that did have dogs? You missed an opportunity to show them your nothing to play with. Think before you speak! "Im not married, or that's not solely my decision! Is a better answer! more

  • The question was definitely out of bounds, even if the employer thought there was "good reason". They could be reported. You have the advantage of... weeding out a "less than optimal" employer. more

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  • What was your answer?

  • You did something right to be honest about yourself

  • You did something right to be honest about yourself

  • Protected information according to ADEA (Age Discrimination in Employment Act)

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  • Honestly, I don’t think you did anything wrong by answering truthfully. You shouldn’t have to lie about your personal life to get a job. At the same... time, I understand why some people would avoid answering a question like that, especially if they really need the job. But if they chose not to hire you because you plan to have children, that says more about the company than it does about you.
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  • Yep! It’s a shame that many people out here don’t know what companies are allowed to legally ask. For future reference just google it!

  • I believe the interviewer was just okay reason being, some jobs require the employers to know if the person being employed is oriented with the family... responsibilities...in most cases people with family responsibilities take the job seriously because of what they carry and care. more

  • I believe your honesty/transparency was just being tasted.

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  • Why didn't you answered the question ❓

  • That is one of the seven illegal questions that cannot be asked in an interview. You dodged an ethical bullet, if they ask this in an interview, what... other shady things are they doing.  more

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