How Moms Can Handle 5 Tricky Job Interview Questions

How Moms Can Handle 5 Tricky Job Interview QuestionsHow Moms Can Handle 5 Tricky Job Interview Questions4In a perfect world, all applicants of ajob would be asked the same questions. In the real world, there are some questions that are more likely to be asked of particular populations, including women and mothers. The best way moms can handle tricky job interview questions is to understand what information the recruiter is really trying to get- even if it is framed as an illegal or inappropriate question- and to be confident and prepared to help the interviewer see the connections between your experience and what traits are needed to be successful in the role.Heres how moms can handle five tricky job interview questionsWhy have you been out of work for so long?Any applicant who has a gap in their resume should expect a question like this. Its never an easy one to answer, regardless of the reasons youve been out of work. If you have been a SAHM, be honest and own that. Explain that yo u were fortunate enough to have the choice to focus on your role as a mother and discuss why you are prepared and excited about returning to work. Speak in a positive and realistic way about your decision to seek employment to help the hiring manager feel that same sense of confidence you have.What have you been doing with your time?Fight back the eye-roll that you will inevitably feel when this question comes your way. Smile and take this as an opportunity to translate your mom skills to job skills. Be proud of your ability to focus, your attention to detail, your self-motivation, and your problem-solving skills. It is much harder for an employer to dismiss your skills if you confidently communicate how relevant your abilities are to the job.Are you planning to have more children?Sigh. Yes, this is an illegal interview question. Making a hiring decision based on parental status is not allowed. It would be awesome if everyone who is ever asked this question could school their interv iewer on this fact. Unfortunately, that strategy is probably not going to help you get the job. Instead, try to understand that the hiring manager is trying to determine your commitment to your career. Let them know that you are making a well-thought-out decision to return to work, and you have every intention of giving the time and attention necessary to be a valuable part of the team. Use this opportunity to talk about your professional goals and shift the focus away from your personal life.How will you balance work and family obligations?This would be a fair question if it were asked equally of male and female candidates. However, this is typically reserved for mothers, especially those who are returning to work after being a SAHM. The best response includes an assurance that your whole family- including your spouse- is supportive of your decision to get back to your career and everyone is prepared to do what is necessary to make it work.Do you feel like your professional skills are up-to-date?If you havent already made the connection regarding your transferable skills, do that now. This is also a great time to highlight any volunteer or freelance work youve done, as well as development classes or workshops you have attended.Just as with any job search, being prepared is a big component to a successful outcome. A SAHM who knows what to do when its time to go back to work will need a bit of patience and a willingness to help a recruiter see her true value.departure Your Job Search. Sign Up for Today