Here's a third option: just answer the friggin question. As you note, just because someone asks if your last name is Japanese doesn't mean that he's planning to discriminate against you. More likely, he's just trying to make chit-chat or is Japanese himself and looking for something you have in common. So if you don't mind, just say, "Why, yes, it is Japanese." You won't win any awards from the ACLU, but you might just establish some rapport with the interviewer and increase your chance of getting hired!
Steveof NY7:13AM December 05, 2012
Wow, DRJOEL1, I guess that I could never work for you since I am a single woman with no children because I may change my decision and go get pregnant.
I Want to work with a company that will see me as a person, not as a walking incubator.
sabraof GA5:31PM February 08, 2012
On an application...1) Do you have children? 2)Who will be taking care of them while you are at work?
REALLY?
tryingtofindworkof TX11:21PM February 07, 2012
I was asked if I go to church, have children, and if I had any back problems. I think the most offensive question was if I went to church. How does my faith in God or where I worship have to do with my job performance?
Ms. Schultzof GA8:46AM December 07, 2011
During the interview, I was hinted that hiring another Chinese will tilt the balance in the group and so me getting hired is unlikely. Needless to say, I didn't have to be in that off balance ship ready to be drowned due to its own preconcieved biases.
Chineseof NY1:09AM January 26, 2011
I was interviewed and ask if I am married, got kids and boyfriend. I don't have I said. And the recruiting manager told me that I have a big tummy and I am applying for an international cruise ship job and "you've got a big tummy". I was quite offended and nearly replied "I am not applying for a STRIPPER position" instead I told him "is it obvious?" and smiled at him. I don't think that asking that question is appropriate but instead of showing the interviewer that it was annoying I gave him a friendly SMILE.
em9:12PM January 21, 2011
Sometimes the question is just a friendly way to let you know you are NOT going to be considered. 15 years ago, I applied for a city government internal auditor entry level job. After the interview, I had a message on my machine: "Oh, by the way, there was a question we did not ask you - How old are you?" I called and answered the question, but knew the reason he asked was that he thought I was too old for what was essentially a job that was just a step above entry level (although compared to the job I had at the time, which paid more but had few benefits, I would have taken the city job figuring I would rise faster than others).
Another time I knew someone who knew a hiring manager with the state. I had the common acquaintance inquire about job opportunities, and the answer was "Tell him not to bother; we have been told to hire minorities for the next 3 positions."
Hopefully the government is not as bad today as it was 15 to 20 years ago in its discrimination.
Terryof FL12:43PM January 20, 2011
When an interviewer recently asked me "do you stil have it in you?" as I was interviewing for a sales manager position, I really didnt see any other way to take that other than he thought I was too old. That type of comment by someone at least 25 years my junior served to show me that inexperience was in control of a sales office. No thanks!o
Deborahof PA11:08AM January 20, 2011
If a hiring manager is incapable of interviewing well within legal boundaries and makes the costly choice of "the first (incapable potential employee) who walks in the door," then the first hiring mistake made was by the person who hired that manager.
Lisaof CO4:05AM January 13, 2011
I have to agree, as an employee. I dislike the fact that my boss cannot do anything anymore. It makes the workplace an uncomfortable place to work in. Because employers are so censored now, my boss cannot hire people that are right for the job, and thus we lose tens of thousands of dollars every year just because she makes a wrong choice in hiring. If telling my boss that I go to church every Sunday and no I don't have kids, but yes I would like some, however, I can still handle the hours and the work load will get me my job, then by goodness I will answer anything they ask me.
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Steve of NY 7:13AM December 05, 2012
sabra of GA 5:31PM February 08, 2012
tryingtofindwork of TX 11:21PM February 07, 2012
Ms. Schultz of GA 8:46AM December 07, 2011
Chinese of NY 1:09AM January 26, 2011
em 9:12PM January 21, 2011
Terry of FL 12:43PM January 20, 2011
Deborah of PA 11:08AM January 20, 2011
Lisa of CO 4:05AM January 13, 2011
Wynne McConkey of MO 10:00AM January 12, 2011