The Inappropriate Question

[Maria Elena Duron]

I have a friend who was recently laid off from his position. He is an amazing guy but at 63 years old is very challenged by the employment landscape today. He is an amazing leader and because of his leadership role in his past position is very well versed at hiring/firing practices and several disciplines necessary to run a large retail operational team.

My question is - he was interviewing for a new leadership position with a company and the district manager asked him "so, as a grandfather, how long to you intend to work? Don't you want to spend time with your grandkids?"

Now, I realize the interviewer is trying to find out how long this guy plans on working to see if it would be a good investment for his company. It really is an inappropriate question and was asked "all wrong". So, how should my friend respond to it. He called it as he saw it and said it was an "inappropriate question". I think there might be a better way to handle this and would like your thoughts/ideas?

[David Sandusky]

No doubt the question was inappropriate and I think your friend was correct in calling the interviewer out on it. He may have identified a culture where he may not be proud to work; or, he may see an opportunity to change the district manager and if deeper, the company perception of 63 year olds. Along this journey, the candidate may discuss family and personal issues where appropriate, but keep the interview on task to what the candidate brings to the table. If excited and full of energy, show it.

I have a lot of experience interviewing people at or near so called retirement age. As a matter of fact I have interviewed and have more boomer clients under Your Brand, LLC than any other generation. I find the boomers who come to play share passion and desire to learn trends while providing the wisdom of experience and stories. Age is a number. Energy and passion get hired.

I realize others may have concern over the 63 year old as a good investment for the company. The following allow alternatives to satisfy whether or not a 63 year old is looking for a paycheck or determined to make a difference for a respectable amount of time.

1. Our district has an aggressive three and five year plan. Some think five years is further out than we should plan, what do you generally think?
2. What are your career goals? How can a company like ours help you achieve our common goals?
3. Our company values hard work and dedication to our internal and external customers, what is your philosophy on work/life balance?

You may notice the questions could be asked to any generation. You may also notice the questions promote dialog, thinking and a test on what diligence and preparation the candidate has done.