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Job Interview
Dealing With Tricky Questions and Post-Interview Follow Up

By Dawn Rosenberg McKay, About.com

Illegal Questions

You've probably heard references to illegal interview questions. It's important to remember that the questions themselves aren't illegal, but using a job candidate's answers to make a hiring decision could be. For example, if an interviewer asks what your nationality is and then doesn't hire you because of your answer, the employer could be violating Section VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Employers shouldn't ask these types of questions, but it is up to you whether to answer them. Often, interviewers are not aware of the legal issues involved. Simply say that the answer to the question is unrelated to your ability to do the job.

Money Questions

The interviewer may ask you what your desired salary is, so prepare to answer this question. Find out what typical salaries are in your field. Always give a range, not an exact number. This will help keep you from pricing yourself out of a job. You don't want the employer to think they can't afford you, but you also don't want them to think you are a cheap commodity either.

After the Job Interview

Post-Interview Followup

Within 24 hours of going on a job interview, send a thank you note to follow up. This is your chance to reiterate something you mentioned on the interview or bring up something you forgot to mention. It is also a nice gesture and a simple matter of politeness.

Send a note to each person who took part in your interview. If you don't remember the name of each person, call the receptionist for some help. Type your note and keep it brief. Sending your note by email is fine as long as you've communicated with the employer that way before. Sending a thank you note sets you apart from everyone else who forgot to or chose not to do this.

Waiting to hear back from an employer after a job interview can be torturous. Generally, wait a week after your interview before you call. However, if the employer told you when you could expect to hear something, don't call until after that date.

More
Part 1: Types of Interviews
Part 2: Preparing for the Interview
Part 3: Succeeding on the Interview

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