Off limit questions?

[OneDayDoctor]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I've read several threads that mentioned specific inappropriate questions that were asked of individuals during interviews. What sorts of questions are off limits? What can one say "no" to? Age? Sexuality? Religion? Or are there appropriate ways interviewers can ask these?

 

[FluffyPolishUnicorn]

we cant discriminate on age, gender, religion, marital status... follows the rules of regular job interview

they cant ask you do you have kids, but they can ask you if you plan to have kids? i guess... i personally have no problem with inappropriate questions as long as they dont mean i will be rejected...

 

[OneDayDoctor]

we cant discriminate on age, gender, religion, marital status... follows the rules of regular job interview

they cant ask you do you have kids, but they can ask you if you plan to have kids? i guess... i personally have no problem with inappropriate questions as long as they dont mean i will be rejected...

Yeah I really can't imagine a question I wouldn't answer, but I've seen some interesting stories.

 

[TooMuchResearch]

we cant discriminate on age, gender, religion, marital status... follows the rules of regular job interview

they cant ask you do you have kids, but they can ask you if you plan to have kids? i guess... i personally have no problem with inappropriate questions as long as they dont mean i will be rejected...

No, they can't ask if you plan on having kids.

 

[Goro]

Here are some examples:

To a married female: "what does your husband think of your applying to medical school"

At many schools (like mine), but not all: "Where else have you applied? Accepted anywhere? If so, where?"

In a group setting, anything that violates FIRPA (privacy regarding grades or personal info).

Asking about health issues if the candidate hasn't specified anything about that in their app (example: Do you ever get depressed? Would that be a problem in medical school?")

Anything offensive, like, obviously things relating to sex. Ethics questions are fair game ("Would you prescribe birth control for a 14 year old girl?")

Anything related to race, religion, sexuality, etc. However, if the applicant brings up something in his/her PS, then it may be fair game.

I've read several threads that mentioned specific inappropriate questions that were asked of individuals during interviews. What sorts of questions are off limits? What can one say "no" to? Age? Sexuality? Religion? Or are there appropriate ways interviewers can ask these?

 

[knv2u]

I've read several threads that mentioned specific inappropriate questions that were asked of individuals during interviews. What sorts of questions are off limits? What can one say "no" to? Age? Sexuality? Religion? Or are there appropriate ways interviewers can ask these?

I think the last two are big no-nos unless the applicant brings it up.

 

[aspirantmed]

If you don't feel comfortable answering a question, it's polite to say so .. What I'd do is tell the interviewer that I didn't feel comfortable, but try to follow up with an answer that covers whatever it is I think they're trying to get at.

For example, to draw on an above case - If someone asks about your mental health history, state that you don't feel comfortable disclosing your medical history in an interview setting, but follow up with a response that shows your capability to handle the rigor of the medical school curriculum and lifestyle.

 

[infinitessimal]

My friend said they asked her about plans to have children. She was around 25 when she applied, so, though I'm pretty sure not legal, take it for what it is.

From what I understand, it's ok to say something along the lines of "I'm not comfortable answering that question, but whether or not __, I can assure you it would not affect my practice."

 

[lalalaaaaaa]

In two of my two interviews, I got asked "are you single". I thought it was inappropriate in both situations as it should have zero bearing on their evaluation of me as a candidate. One of the interviews was particularly inappropriate as the next comment was along the lines of, "good, medical school is too hard to be in a relationship at the same time." I respect that opinion, and it is often true, but I know plenty of older docs who have been practicing for a long time who also have great marriages which started in or before medical school.

 

[Gauss44]

Let's say an interviewer asks you a big ol inappropriate question. Your response is...?

 

[NickNaylor]

Let's say an interviewer asks you a big ol inappropriate question. Your response is...?

"I feel uncomfortable answering that question and would prefer not to." You then also go to someone at the admissions office and talk to them (or e-mail them later) and let them know your concerns. They are typically interested in knowing about these sorts of things as they don't want it going on either.

 

[Cinclus]

I got the "Where else have you interviewed?" question. I'm not sure if that's an off-limits question for that particular school, though. That question was a little weird, and it wasn't a good interview.

 

[Augstartcodon]

At OWUB I was asked how the Grignard reagent works... LOL

 

[HarryPlopper]

I've read several threads that mentioned specific inappropriate questions that were asked of individuals during interviews. What sorts of questions are off limits? What can one say "no" to? Age? Sexuality? Religion? Or are there appropriate ways interviewers can ask these?

Many times when individuals are asked questions that are illegal, the reason could be that the interviewer was inexperienced and didn't know he/she asked an illegal question. One way you deal with the illegal question is to answer the question with an answer that circumvents directly answering the illegal question. This will save the interviewer face while diverting the conversation away from the topic. Something about religion can be diverted with an answer about how religion is really important because of so and so. Try not to make the transition too awkward.

However if you start talking about a topic that is generally illegal, they interviewer can follow up with questions.

 

[styphon]

Americans with Disability Act has a question list that interviewers can not ask, and being a medical school they are not exempt.

 

[Klma422]

Interviewer: "legally I'm not allowed to ask if you want to get married or have children."
Me: ok...?
Interviewer: *proceeds to stare at me for three minutes in silence*

 

[touchpause13]

Interviewer: "legally I'm not allowed to ask if you want to get married or have children."
Me: ok...?
Interviewer: *proceeds to stare at me for three minutes in silence*

Awkward