career center

Interviewing Questions

Some questions interviewers ask may be illegal. They can be prohibited by the Civil Right Act of 1964, and many other federal and state laws. Normally, if the question asked applies directly to the job duties themselves, that question is appropriate.

Here are some sample questions that are inapporpriate:

INAPPROPRIATE: Are you married, divorces or single?                             

INAPPROPRIATE: How old are you?                                                                                                                                              

INAPPROPRIATE: Do you go to church regularly?                                       

INAPPROPRIATE: Do you have many debts?                                              
APPROPRIATE: We require credit report for all applicants interviewed. 

INAPPROPRIATE: Do you own or rent your home?                                       

INAPPROPRIATE: What social or political organizations do you belong to?
APPROPRIATE: Volunteer on campus?

INAPPROPRIATE: Were you ever arrested?                                                 
APPROPRIATE: We require criminal background check of all applicants.

INAPPROPRIATE: How much do you weigh?                                               
APPROPRIATE: Job requires heavy lifing.             

INAPPROPRIATE: What does your spouse think about your career?           

INAPPROPRIATE: What are your plans for having a family?                   

 If you think the question posed by the interview is against the law, simply respond, “I’m sorry, but the information I have indicates that question does not apply to my potential entry into……program.” “Perhaps I mis-understood the question?” Or, finally you can say, “That information is of a personal nature, and I cannot answer your question.

Career Center Office Hours

Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Career Resources

Student Resources
Employer Resources
Faculty/Staff Resources
Alumni Resources
Web Resources 
Newsletter Archive

Additional Resources

Spartan CareerLink for Students
Spartan CareerLink for Employers
SIGI 3 for Students

Contact Us

Sherry McAdams
Director, Career Center
Phone: 864-503-5393

Hannah Terpack
Freshman Advisor & Student Services Coordinator for JCBE
Phone: 864-503-5049

Ryan Boggs
Administrative Assistant
Phone: 864-503-5392

Career Center
John M. Rampey Center
800 University Way
Spartanburg, SC 29303
Phone: 864-503-5392 
Fax: 864-503-5931
Faculty & Staff Directory