Table A.5 Tactics for Responding to Illegal Questions
Tactic	Sample lllegal Question	Sample Answer
Answer directly but briefly	“Do you attend church regularly?”	“Yes, I do.”
Pose a tactful inquiry	“What does your husband do?”	“Why do you ask?” (in a nondefensive tone of voice)
Tactfully refuse to answer the question	“Do you have children?”	“My family plans will not interfere with my ability to perform in this position.”
Neutralize	“What happens if your partner needs to relocate?”	“My partner and I would discuss locational moves that either of us might have to consider in the future.”
Take advantage of the question	“Where were you born?”	“I am quite proud that my background is Egyptian because it has helped me deal effectively with people of various ethnic backgrounds.”