They asked if I had kids, what should I have said?

[JenniferSews]

I finally landed an interview last week. But then the interviewer asked if I had kids, and then asked who would take care of them when I was called in PRN. I wasn't expecting that, since they legally aren't allowed to ask those things! I answered honestly that yes I have kids and then told a little lie and said my DH's job was flexible.

Well now no call a week later and I'm guessing they went with someone else. So what SHOULD I have said? I feel like if I had said "you can't ask that" the end result would be the same- no job.

[caliotter3]

I would have given my biggest, dumbest, quizzical look and said, "Really, I didn't think you could ask that question? Are you sure that's a legal question?" No job anyway, but at least you would have gotten the satisfaction of letting them know you were on to them. File a complaint with whatever authority.

[JenniferSews]

If I can get the HR lady to call me back and she says they hired someone else I intend to ask if it's because I have kids. I doubt I'll file a complaint, seems like more trouble than it's worth. But I do want her to know that I'm not totally stupid.

[island40]

I would have said that my home life would not impact on my ability to do the job. I would have emphasized that I was available to work PRN and that i coudl easily be recalled within the time limit specified bythe facility. I woudl have totally ignored answering the question as it is none of their business and then asked my own "how long have you been doing interviews? is this a problem with your staff as I dont' want to work in a place short staffed due to unavailable PRN people.

[prosperouschick]

I would have said that my home life would not impact on my ability to do the job. I would have emphasized that I was available to work PRN and that i coudl easily be recalled within the time limit specified bythe facility. I woudl have totally ignored answering the question as it is none of their business and then asked my own "how long have you been doing interviews? is this a problem with your staff as I dont' want to work in a place short staffed due to unavailable PRN people.

I agree with island40. I would have politely ignored the question, and emphasized your ability to work PRN. It may very well be that the person interviewing you has had bad experiences with staff with children, however, that should not affect the way they interview and select candidates. Yet, one of the things you will find out is that many interviewers (including this one) do not know how to effectively and legally interview. Although you may be actively looking for a position, I would just count yourself lucky if you did not end up working for someone that has this sort of baggage. In the future, I would not answer personal questions during interviews unless it is something you absolutely want to share. I would stick to your qualifications and ability to perform the job and redirect the interviewer if necessary

[JenniferSews]

I would have said that my home life would not impact on my ability to do the job. I would have emphasized that I was available to work PRN and that i coudl easily be recalled within the time limit specified bythe facility.

Fantastic, thank you! Honestly I wasn't enthusiastic but my options are extremely limited as a new grad and I was more than happy to give this opportunity 110%. Given the job market I wouldn't be surprised it it or something similar comes up again. This is much appreciated!