Top 10 Tips to Nail that Job Interview

Top 10 Tips to Nail that Job Interview Do you want to get hired for that new job? Follow these tips to learn how to ace your job interview and stand out from the crowd. Its not as difficult as you think and if you follow these things, youll be sure to make a great impression. 1. Research the company you are interviewing for. One of the best ways to ace your job interview is to study the current events of the company. Knowing what the current happenings of the company are key to being able to ask pertinent questions. Doing so will also show the interviewer that you have done your homework, and also have a genuine interest in the company. 2. Study your resume and know it well. As a candidate, you should know your resume like the back of your hand. In any job interview, anything on your resume is at the interviewers disposal. Implementing this strategy will definitely help you ace your job interview. It is your responsibility to convince the interviewer that you can come in and do the job. Speaking intelligently about each of your previous positions is one of the best ways to ace your job interview every single time. 3. Know the job description of the position you are applying for. After getting an interview, you need to study the job description to truly understand what the interviewer is looking for. If the description calls for attentiveness to detail, you will want to tailor the discussion accordingly. Knowing this, you can navigate the interview and discuss examples from previous jobs that will exemplify this trait. Do this for all significant traits or qualities that you identify in the job description. This is one of the most prominent ways to ace your job interview. 4. Display your skills with concrete examples. The interviewer wants to know you are hard working, but it will be hard for him or her to believe you unless you prove it. Tell a story of how you were hard working and instead of just saying it. Dont leave it up to the imagination of the interviewer to figure out how. Rather, explain in detail and give and example to illustrate it. 5. Prepare an interview tool kit. Being prepared for your interview is the best way to ace it. Putting together a job interview kit is a great job interview strategy. Not only will you want to have ample copies of your resume in your kit, but you can also include other items you will need like directions to the office, a bottle of water, eye drops, pens, and a notepad. Put the copies of your resume in a neat folder and keep the other items in a small bag in your car. 6. Build rapport. You know the saying, Theres never a second chance to make a first impression? That holds very true in the case of job interviews. If you want to ace your job interview, you are going to know how to build rapport. You will create a great setting for your interview by greeting the interviewer with a firm handshake and a pleasant smile. You can also start off by asking how he or she is doing and or make a comment about the weather. 7. Make eye contact. Eye contact is one of the strongest forms of nonverbal communication and must if you want to ace your job interview. Eye contact can show whether a person is strong or weak. Direct eye contact shows communicates two key qualities employers look for in candidates confidence and high self-esteem. It is very important to make eye contact when you greet your interviewer and shake his or her hand. Throughout the interview, make a point to have direct eye contact in order to create a connection and exude confidence. This tip alone with greatly help you ace your job interview. 8. Body language. Body language is also a huge form of nonverbal communication. It will communicate whether you are confident, relaxed, nervous, or unsure of yourself. In order to ace your job interview, you must give off positive energy with your body language. Sit up straight and dont slouch your back. Show that you are alert and listening carefully to everything your interviewer in saying. 9. Be yourself. No matter how badly you want the job, it you arent a good match, you arent a good match. Never try to be what you think the job require. Let your true self shine through and youll send off the postive energy youll need to ace your job interview. If you arent being true to yourself, the interviewer will sense your lack of authenticity right away. 10. Follow up quickly. Immediately after the interview, send a handwritten thank you note. A handwritten note is the best because it more personal. If you dont have the mailing address of the interview, either get it, or send an e-mail. Simply thank the interviewer for their time to meet with you. Whats most important though is that you get the note into the mail. Interviewers know exactly who sent them a note and who didnt. Now you have a list of things to do so you can ace your job interview. If you understand all of the strategies, youll be on your way to success in no time! Related: How To Ace the Google Interviewing Process. Image Credit: Shutterstock

Resume Writing Free Online - How to Write an Effective One

Resume Writing Free Online - How to Write an Effective OneWhile a good resume is something that would make or break your chance of getting a job, there are a number of factors that you should remember when it comes to applying for one and being successful at it. In fact, hiring managers these days are increasingly moving away from the print-and-sign resume towards the online one.This is not to say that the old way of filling out resumes isn't still used, but it's becoming less common as companies are moving away from using printed resumes altogether and have started creating their own on computers. The main reason for this shift is that it saves them money. As computerization has become more commonplace in modern business, it's made it easier to find and send information quickly rather than it take days to get your resume typed up and printed out.So if you're going to take advantage of this opportunity and make the most of it, make sure you've got the right resume. Make sure you thin k about how it should be structured so that it serves the best purpose.For one thing, don't just include the job application. It's possible to have too much information and end up wasting time when you get to the resume. You want it to stand out and be easier to read, not take up too much space. Remember, your resume has to be only half the job application and if you've made it a nuisance to read, it's no use.Secondly, don't take the time to write each section yourself and that applies whether you're filling out a resume for a job application or applying for a job. Instead, leave that to the professionals. If you do, chances are you'll end up with several different copies of the same resume all with different bits of information and no relation to each other. The next question is whether you're able to get the same professional service, or whether you just choose to order them by yourself. One of the easiest way of filling out a resume is to use software that automates the whole pro cess. In most cases, you can receive a resume that contains everything that you need. Even a little resume template can be useful to make sure that you don't forget anything important. While not everyone will have a talent for writing, there are still quite a few free online resume writing programs available these days that allow you to write, save and print out your resume in just a few minutes, so long as you know how to use it.So, if you're thinking about learning how to write a resume and then go ahead and try one of the free online resume writing programs. At the very least, if you don't have a background in writing, the experts will probably give you the go-ahead to get started.A great resume isn't the only thing that can help you land a job, but it's certainly the first thing you should be thinking about when you're setting your sights on a new job. And don't forget to make sure that you remember all the important details when you're getting ready to fill out your own resume, whether it's online or in person.

5 Tips to Guarantee Productive Negotiation

5 Tips to Guarantee Productive Negotiation Takeaways: Negotiation needs to be approached tactfully and with a clear aim  in mind for optimum success. Setting a clear objective and having the confidence to ask for what you want are key to negotiating effectively, so keep these tips in mind and prepare thoroughly before entering a conversation. Molly Fletcher, a former author and sports agent has put together her top tips on how to successfully negotiate anything from an initial job offer, to the opportunity for career development.  She suggested that it is a five step process and if you follow this simple  strategy, getting what you want should come easily. To see what these steps are and how you can incorporate them into your own situation, take a look at the slideshow below. Takeaways: Its easiest to negotiate a fair salary once you have received a job offer. Make sure that you have done your research beforehand and have an idea of what a reasonable salary for similar roles in your industry is. You can find this out on the internet or through colleagues/friends who work in the industry. If youre unemployed or have only recently graduated, dont allow this to be the main focus when negotiating a job offer. Emphasise the skills that you can bring to the role and why you would be a valuable asset to the company. You should show that you are not in a hurry settle for  just any deal. To negotiate career progression, demonstrate how your development can benefit the company and why it would be to their advantage to give you a promotion. After all, its less costly to progress their existing staffs careers than to hire externally. An effective method for negotiating is to pause after asking a question, rather than to carry on talking as you may distract from the issue. This technique has been taken from the media, as it requires the person to answer that question alone. If you receive a no to your negotiation, try to see it from their point of view. Do let them know that you are not happy with the terms; but ask if you could possibly revisit the conversation at a later date, on the basis that you achieve certain targets or standards. The core of negotiation is the same in professional life, as in personal life. Be prepared and have the courage to ask for what you want.  RELATED: Job Applicants: Why Negotiation Techniques Are Crucial

The Senior Series Do I Need a Blog

The Senior Series Do I Need a Blog Yesterday I had a very interesting conversation with my sister, Ashley, who is a college senior graduating in May.   My sister is part of Mizzous top-tier  journalism school in a convergence program that combines several types of journalism and new media.   One of her classes this semester requires her to have a blog.   She wasnt thrilled about the idea.   Its not that she is against blogging.   In fact, we discussed and bought  a domain name for her future blog  months ago.   Her problem is that she feels that blogging just to blog is silly.    She also feels:   The blogging space is overcrowded and that there is too much crap out there- especially about social media.   That  unless you are going to make it the best blog in your niche, have an awesome design, and devote a lot of time to it, that its pointless.   She feels weird trying to pose as an expert on a career path she hasnt even started yet. She feels she is just starting to define her niche, and jumping in too early might be a mistake. That blogging without a goal in mind is pointless. When I spoke to a few entrepreneurship classes at my alma mater, Miami of Ohio, a few weeks ago, one of the first questions I got from both classes was whether or not they need to have a blog before heading into a job search.   I sensed panic in their voices and I wasnt sure why.   Apparently this is a hot topic right now among college juniors and seniors, so lets discuss it further. Thoughts from Real College seniors I know that many professors in the J-school at UNC are beginning to forceonline presence on their students, but not necessarily just blogs.  For oneclass, it is a requirement that students have a Twitter and in order to ask questions of the professor the students must tweet them.  There was an internship I was interested in applying to earlier this year, but one of the requirements was to submit sample blog posts I had written, and since I hadnt written any, I was automatically disqualified. I think its important to have an online presence, but I am one of those people that really struggles with a blog, mostly just because I havent found my niche yet.  If I were to blog, it would probably be just a jumble of stuff, rather than a series of posts on a certain topic/subject, and wouldnt really be of interest to others. Sabrina, University of North Carolina I started blogging for myself, so I could track how I was doing in my career and keep track of what I was learning. When I gained an audience, they became another aspect. I think you should only blog if you are truly passionate and committed to it. If you arent, employers will notice. You are better off focusing on the other areas that you are passionate about. Rachel, Central Michigan University Ive been blogging for 5 years so Im pretty proud of the effort Ive put into my blog. It hurts when it doesnt seem to be doing much for me. On the other hand, my current boss admitted that one of the reasons he hired me was because he was impressed with some of the things Ive written online. Rob, John Carroll University What do I think? No, not everyone needs a blog.   There just certain people who will never jump on that train.   Not everyone is a writer.   Not everyone likes being in the public eye.   In some fields, blogging might be a bad thing (certain professions with the  financial and legal fields come to mind). Getting involved in online communities is crucial for job seekers and college seniors, but there are several ways to do that without being a blogger. For example: Get on LinkedIn, join groups, join conversations, send private messages, ask to connect to those within your industry. Have a professional Twitter account with your real name, location and a head shot.   Make a catchy and keyword rich bio line.   Conduct Twitter searches in order to surround yourself with those in your field. Read a lot of blogs.   Comment on blogs. Email authors of blogs. If you want to establish some Google credibility in your field, consider guest posting for your favorite blogs.   Most bloggers  welcome  guest posters.   Then if you are asked for a writing sample at an interview, you have one ready. Stay consistent with your online efforts- balance putting out great information, engaging with your community and putting a dash of your personality in as well. Blogging is NOT for everyone.   If you hate the idea of being a blogger, dont bother! The last thing the world needs is another crappy blog. I see value in what professors are trying to do by forcing students to get online for a semester.   A big part of education is doing things you are uncomfortable with.   Learning things that are not your strengths, and staying up on the latest technology.   As much as it is probably super annoying, I think these professors are doing their jobs by forcing you to get immersed in social media.   Its not going anywhere. My guess is that youd look back and be mad if  your professors  didnt teach you how to use social media 5 years from now. What do you think? College seniors: do you feel pressured to start a blog? Professionals: do you think a blog is necessary?

The Difference Between CV and Resume

The Difference Between CV and ResumeBefore you get into applying for a job, there is a big difference between your CV and resume. A CV (Curriculum Vitae) is an essay that tells someone what you do and why you are the ideal candidate for the job. Your resume is your effort to convince a company to hire you based on your skills, qualifications, experience and work history.Now that you know the difference between the two, you may be wondering which one should you use. Well, both. I would recommend using a CV or resume for any job you apply for. They are very different from each other in terms of the content and format.One advantage of using a CV is that you can be sure the company that reading it will get an idea of your experience and skills before you start filling out the application forms. Most companies that receive applications use a CV first. So if they see a resume, they will be able to tell if you have the necessary skills. In fact, most job applicants look at a CV before they even begin filling out applications.If you submit a resume, they do not see the same level of information as you do when you write a CV. A resume tells them about yourself, so it should be short and focused on how you can help the company's needs. A CV is more personal, as it uses the candidate's name as the author.There are many benefits to using a CV for your job application. It gives the employer a little information before they even begin to talk to you. The most obvious benefit is that you have the opportunity to develop a positive first impression with a potential employer. Also, a resume gives you the opportunity to express yourself and say why you are the best candidate for the job.There are some disadvantages to using a CV as opposed to a resume. A CV may not be as professional looking as a resume, as it is usually a bit on the basic side. If you are submitting it online, you may be less appealing to a potential employer. And because of the differences between CV and resume , a CV may seem less professional to a person reading your resume, then your resume would to the hiring manager.In the end, the choice is yours. If you want a personal touch to your job application, then you should use a CV. However, if you don't have time to create a personal resume, then you should save yourself some money and send a resume to the company.Both resumes and CVs can be used. No matter which one you choose, make sure it clearly tells what you do, and why the company should hire you. This way, you can have an easier time developing a positive first impression on potential employers.

How Back Pain Can Decrease Your Workplace Productivity

How Back Pain Can Decrease Your Workplace Productivity Photo Credit â€" Pexels.comA new shift is about to start and you’re ready to go to work when suddenly a twinge of burning pain lights up your back, rendering you immobile for a period of time, maybe a moment or even hours.You may question exactly how will you get through the upcoming shift and complete all the tasks you set out and are required to do.Perhaps your chosen career is healthcare, and there are patients depending on you for assistance with the most basic of tasks, which requires a certain level of physical health.evalYou might have an office job that requires you to sit at a desk using a computer for the entire shift, leaving little time for stretches or breaks. Painkillers, whether prescription or over-the-counter, are an option but they leave you slightly unfocused or groggy. Suddenly your day doesn’t seem that promising anymore.Regardless of your career choice, when you suffer from back pain, it can be aggravating and difficult to mentally, let alone physically, dea l with.Trying to complete the tasks expected of you when it comes to your work, while in physical pain, can be extremely taxing on your mental well-being while affecting those around you.The majority of today’s workforce has experienced back pain in some form at least once throughout their life.Maybe you had a minor injury or slept throughout the night in an awkward position. Other people have chronic back pain stemming from previous trauma to the site or it could even be a symptom of other ailments.Types of Back PainBack pain can range in levels from mild to severe and be spread over the entire back or concentrated to a specific area. The most common type of back pain people suffer with is lower back pain with upper back pain the close second.You might suffer from acute back pain which lasts approximately three to six months and is generally caused by a minor injury or muscle strain.evalPerhaps you suffer from chronic back pain, which is the most severe and can last a lifetime. M ajor injuries, especially nerve or tissue damage, can also lead to chronic back pain when not managed properly or your pain could be caused by an ailment such as arthritis or sciatica.Symptoms of back pain could be white-hot burning sensations, muscle spasms, dull throbbing pain or even a stabbing pain in the affected area. Regardless of the type of back pain, it is uncomfortable and can take a toll on a person along with those around them.Psychological Back PainAlthough not as commonly diagnosed as acute or chronic back pain, the majority of the population suffers through pain deemed psychological by a combination of medical doctors and psychologists.It’s commonly accepted that emotional issues or stress or even psychological factors can make any problem you are facing worse; but, the idea of psychological back problems takes this idea even one step more.evalThe diagnosis of stress-related back pain assumes that psychological factors are the main problem for back pain. While the issues causing the back pain are not physically visible or show up on a medical scan Doing so creates an array of problems for your employer and fellow co-workers. They have to complete the tasks you are unable to, adding to a person’s workload, which can mentally take a toll on a person by adding unneeded stress. Depending on your employer’s sick leave policy, this might lead to a loss of wages for that shift adding to the stress you are feeling due to your back pain.Employers can look at these things as a liability for having to pay your sick wage, pay overtime to your co-workers if necessary, and increase the requirements expected in each position.These thoughts running through a person’s mind can create fatigue of sorts, which can manifest itself in the work completed.Preventing and Managing Back PainThe style and type of mattress you sleep on can play a huge part in the prevention and management of back pain. Using a mattress designed for back pain and having the accompan ying mattress topper, like the ones offered through Sleep Addicts, is a step in the right direction. Sleep Addicts provides a wide range of mattress toppers to alleviate back pain, designed to correspond with the various types of issues and discomfort a person can experience.evalThey have mattress toppers that can be for the person who suffers occasional flare-ups of pain and they have mattress toppers that can assist the chronic pain sufferer. Sleep Addicts also offer a line of mattress toppers that include a memory foam, which shapes to a person’s body and provide customized relief.There are several other options when it comes to preventing and managing back pain. From prescription drugs to herbal remedies, stretches to occupational therapy, and mattresses to specific desk chairs, the options are limitless.The simplest acts such as stretching and maintaining a good posture can lessen or even eliminate the level of back pain felt on a daily basis.Prescription drugs or over-the-co unter medications will not be everyone’s first choice due to the numerous side effects they can create and herbal remedies could take an extended period of time to work.The majority of people find a combination of stretches and exercise, whether through a trained professional or home-based option, provide a tremendous amount of relief.Occupational or physical therapy along with deep tissue massages can be an effective tool for managing back pain. Perhaps you feel relief using a routine of alternating cold packs then heating pads.Speaking with your doctor about your back pain and what course of treatment is the best for you is a definite necessity. Your doctor may suggest a combination of different therapies to best suit your needs.Life without back painCan you imagine a life when you are able to move about, complete your work and be the most productive you that you have ever known? We aren’t medical professionals but a life free of back pain might be a possibility for you.First things first, consult your primary healthcare provider to get an expert opinion on the root of your back pain. Then take the appropriate steps to fix the problem.ConclusionEvery person has a need to be the best possible version of themselves at home, at work, and at life. When something such as back pain threatens this, it can be easy to feel your self-confidence diminishes the longer it continues.Using the aids mentioned above to control back pain can help a person regain their confidence and self-worth. You may find that one particular aid is the answer you need or it may take a trial-and-error process to eliminate the ones that don’t manage your symptoms to your liking.Whatever avenue you choose to pursue, always speak to your doctor or a recognized health professional for any questions you may have! They can help customize a pain prevention or management plan suited to your symptoms and needs.Talk to your employer or manager about your back pain and see if there are any steps you can take to avoid flare-ups at work.Try to stay mobile to avoid further weakening of the muscles and exercise in a safe way to prevent future occurrences. A healthy you at work is the best for you!

Why Use Pictures, Images and Video

Why Use Pictures, Images and Video Have you heard? Visual marketing is hot! Businesses use pictures, images and video to promote themselves and their products and services. You can too! If you have been ignoring the power of visual content, maybe now is the time to start. Dont you  want to increase the number of people viewing, sharing and engaging with what you share or write?! In speaking with job seekers, business owners and companies, I hear things like, I dont know what to share,   we wouldnt benefit from using visuals or my business isnt visual. But what you will see if you look on social media, there are all types of companies (and people) creating and sharing visuals. Why Is This Happening? We are using mobile devices, we are overwhelmed by information and we are busy! Pictures instantly tell a story (and we see pictures faster than we can read text). Images also help people feel emotionally connected to the content! Web content containing visuals like images or videos perform better â€" on average, receiving up to 94% more views. (source) Using pictures, images and video is one more way to get people to know, like and trust you. And theyll remember your message better too! Types of Visual Content To Create and Use Pictures, images and video are three different types of visuals you can use either within blog posts or as status updates on social networks or within marketing campaigns and newsletters. Pictures Featuring you, fellow employees, key clients, events, volunteering, projects, successes. Images/Graphics Create memes, testimonials, quotes, infographics, process maps, guidelines, reading lists, wordclouds. Video Record How to videos, customer testimonials or day-in-the-life videos. You can try interviewing people on video. (Facebook Live, Zoom, Instagram Story or even LinkedIn) Read Use Video To Amplify Your Brand for more help. Best Tools To Use Creating visual content is easier than you think! Free Tools For A Better Online Presence lists 8 free tools you can use to create and share visuals. Sources for Photos Take your own photos or use  Pixabay, Morguefile,  Death To Stock,  Unsplash.    (Other sources of photos may require you provide attribution). This is one reason I like to use these four sources; no attribution is required. Photo Editing/Graphics/Micro-Content Whether you want to add text to a photo or create your own image from scratch, I recommend these tools. Canva Pablo  by Buffer Adobe Spark Infographics There are numerous free tools to help you create infographics.  Visme,  Venngage and even Microsoft PowerPoint can be used to create infographics as well. To learn more about creating  infographic resumes, I wrote this post and shared 4 infographic templates! Social Sharing Share your images on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook as a status update! LinkedIn says simply having a profile photo results in up to 21x more profile views and 9x more connection requests! Dont stop there. Transform your LinkedIn profile into a visually stunning portfolio! Read Make Your LinkedIn Profile Media Rich Imagine adding a video message as a status update on LinkedIn? You can. See some examples in this LinkedIn announcement. Or bundle them into a presentation on SlideShare for greater reach! Pinterest is also an easy way to get started. Use it as a visual scrapbook to house your career successes. Consider it your career portfolio. Follow Career Sherpas board Pinterest: Pin, Pin on Pinterest. Instagram, Tumblr, and SnapChat are also simple to use. [amp;amp;amp;lt;a href=https://storify.com/careersherpa/the-power-behind-visuals target=_blankamp;amp;amp;gt;View the story The Power Behind Visuals on Storifyamp;amp;amp;lt;/aamp;amp;amp;gt;]

10 Interview Questions You Shouldnt be Asked

10 Interview Questions You Shouldnt be Asked Whether you’re happily employed and looking for a better or more fulfilling option, or have been on the outskirts of the job market searching for an opportunity for some time, you’ve likely had the opportunity to prepare for a few interviews. Interviews are important. They allow your potential employer to learn about who you are as a person and what qualifications you bring to the table. They also allow you to gauge whether a particular position is what you’re looking for or if you should continue the search for something else. They’re also competitive. With more than 300 million online searches per month related to employment combined with the fact that 51 percent of professionals who are currently employed are also actively seeking new employment, you’re unlikely to be the only qualified candidate. However, once you find that position, you’re all set. You’ve prepared for a long hiring process, you’ve perfected your résumé and cover letter and have practiced for the interview questions you’re likely to be asked once you’ve gotten your foot in the door. You’re good to go, right? Maybe not. While you may have prepared for your upcoming interview â€" the wardrobe, the eye contact, the standard interview questions â€" you might not have considered the questions that are off limits, those that cannot be asked. If they come up, are you prepared with proper responses? Do you even know what the off-limit questions are? If not, the time to understand what’s OK and what’s not is now. Arm yourself with this important knowledge by taking a look at the 10 questions you should never be asked in an interview listed below. Questions Relating to Religion An employer cannot ask: Your religion Which religious holidays you observe Whether or not you belong to a religious or social organization If you are asked these questions, it likely relates to scheduling questions. Instead of answering directly, you can respond with something like, “I am available to work on the dates indicated on the employment calendar” or “my religion does not interfere with my ability to perform the listed job duties and responsibilities.” Religion is personal and cannot be used as a factor for employment. Personal Family Questions During an interview, a potential employer must avoid questions relating to: Your marital status Whether or not you have children Your family’s schedule Your family’s financial standing These questions do not relate to your ability to do a job. An employer may be asking because of a concern with last-minute schedule changes. Because of this, you can refer to the fact that you had a great attendance record at a previous position, or that you are flexible as it relates to scheduling. Your Age Whether you look young or are nearing retirement age, an employer may be curious as to whether you are qualified to perform a certain role, or if you’ll be around for the long term. It doesn’t matter: He or she cannot ask your age. They can ask whether you are at the minimum age to perform the listed position according to federal guidelines, but that is as far as it can go. If you’re asked about your age, refer to your résumé and employment history. Focus on your qualifications rather than a number. Anything Relating to Health or Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act protects those with disabilities from discrimination during the hiring process. This means that if you have a hidden or obvious disability, employers cannot ask questions that relate to it directly. This includes: Asking what your disability is How much work you missed in a previous role Whether you’ve filed or received workers’ compensation An employer can ask whether you’re able to fully perform the roles and responsibilities required to perform a job. If a question relating to a disability comes up, it’s best to refer to the fact that you’re able to perform the tasks necessary for the job and to stay away from answering questions of this kind directly. If You’re Pregnant Maybe you’ve just found out that you’re expecting, or maybe you have one month until delivery and are noticeably pregnant. In either case, employers are not allowed to ask and cannot discriminate based on this fact. You can choose simply not to answer this question or state that you’re uncomfortable with the question. It is up to you to disclose whether you are expecting or not, provided the employer has time to make proper arrangements prior to your leave. Race or Nationality Your race or nationality plays no role in whether you’re able to perform a specific job. Because of this, the question is off limits. It is acceptable, however, for employers to leave a space on application forms for applicants to voluntarily share this information. You cannot be asked: How long you’ve been in the country Where you were born or your family comes from Whether you are a U.S. citizen or not An employer can ask whether you are legally able to perform this job. Because of this, it’s best to refer to your employment standing in the U.S. if a question relating to nationality does come up. Your Location You may have your home address listed on your résumé, or you may choose to keep that information private; this is your decision. Employers cannot ask: Where you live The distance of your commute Your mode of transportation Like other invasive questions, if an employer does ask something relating to this topic, it’s likely intended to determine whether you can be at the job on time and whether you’ll be available on short notice, which is acceptable. It’s also permissible to ask whether you’re willing to relocate for a position. If you’re unsure of how to answer, sticking to your availability is your best bet. Your Political Affiliation What you believe about the government or how it operates is your choice. Provided it does not impact your ability to perform a task, it is off limits. If asked about your standings or beliefs relating to a political matter, it’s best to move on or to make it clear that your political affiliation does not affect your ability to perform the job in question. Whether You Serve in the Armed Forces or Reserves It’s understandable that an employer may be concerned about losing a new hire to military service; however, service and reserve members are protected under law. While your military service may bolster your ability to land a certain role, it could also be a hindrance in the eyes of an employer concerned about your time away from the office. If asked about your status, focusing on short-term and upcoming commitments is best. While this may change, the information you volunteer is up to you. Questions Relating to Recreational Activities Even if you’re applying for a position with a religious organization, you cannot be asked whether you drink or do drugs off the clock. Because drugs could relate to prescriptions and medical disabilities, the term is a gray area. Instead, employers can ask whether you use illegal drugs, and can require a drug test prior to hiring. If one of the more unclear questions is asked, you can respond with the fact that you do not use illegal drugs and that your other recreational activities â€" like drinking â€" do not interfere with your professional responsibilities. Interviews are important. They can make or break your chances of moving into a new role or starting a new career. However, when questions that are prohibited arise, it can be uncomfortable for all involved parties. If you’re asked one of the questions relating to the topics listed above, refer to the recommended responses. It is also within your rights to simply say “I prefer to not answer that” or “my response to that question does not affect my ability to perform the job.” If you’re still interested in the position, maintaining a positive demeanor, even when questions that should never be asked are asked, could make the difference between receiving an offer and never hearing back. If these questions arise and you feel as though you have been discriminated against, you can file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. While difficult to prove, discrimination does happen and is an unfair aspect of the hiring process. Remember, during an interview, you have rights. You are entitled to answer any questions that you feel comfortable answering, and you’re also entitled to choose not to answer questions that make you uncomfortable. Do not let one negative experience ruin the job search process. Your dream job is out there; arm yourself with information and proper preparation to be sure you’re ready when it becomes available.