How to Avoid an Uncomfortable Topic in an Interview

No matter how well prepared you are for a job interview, sometimes the interviewer brings up awkward or uncomfortable topics or even asks questions that are illegal. When this occurs, you must keep your cool and respond in a businesslike manner. Be aware that some job interviewers bring up such topics deliberately to provoke job applicants and to see what response they'll get. Here are some tips for responding to uncomfortable questions in job interviews.

Change the Subject

If the interviewer should ask you personal questions about your family or private life, delicately change the subject by focusing the discussion back on the workplace. The interviewer has no right to that type of information and may use it against you in his hiring decision.

Decline to Answer
If you work in a field in which you have access to proprietary information, you should not share any such information about a former employer during a job interview. As pleasant as it can feel to gossip a bit or to show that you are an insider, be aware that your interviewer may be testing to see whether you can be trusted with company secrets. Politely decline to answer such questions by explaining that you must respect the trust your former employer put in you.

Do Not Initiate Uncomfortable Topics
Far too often, job candidates bring up inappropriate topics themselves during job interviews. Avoid sabotaging yourself in this way. Never say anything negative about a former employer; doing so just makes the job interviewer wonder what you might say about his company if he hires you. In addition, avoid saying negative things about the job for which you're interviewing, including tasks you won't do if hired. Avoid any mention of politics or religion, even in a joking manner, as these topics are mine fields and almost always lead to an uncomfortable moment. In addition, avoid making jokes that could possibly be interpreted as being racist, sexist or disparaging in any way. If your interviewer makes such comments, once again prove yourself to be the professional in the room and direct the conversation back to business.

Remember, It Might Be a Test
Sometimes job interviewers behave in an aggressive or confrontational manner just to provoke a response from you. If this occurs, remain calm, and don't take the bait. Remember that the interviewer may be testing you. Job interviewers also test applicants by stating strong opinions on various controversial subjects. Change the subject, and remain professional.

Job interviews often contain uncomfortable moments of silence and sometimes veer toward awkward topics. If this happens to you, simply be prepared and professional. Change the subject when you can, and decline to answer inappropriate questions. Even if one job interview doesn't go well, there will be another one that leads to a position at a company where you truly fit in and do not feel uncomfortable at all.

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net