How to Handle Inappropriate Interview Questions

At the last interview I went to, which landed me a job, the interviewer brought up the subject of their health plan, asking me if I was interested in going on it, and stating to me that they didn't really have a very good health plan at all. The job lasted all of two months, when they abruptly let me go for a completely bogus out-of-the-blue reason with no warning whatever. I believe they were getting nervous that I would want to go on their group plan and that it would skyrocket their insurance premium, which is a very real concern in these little offices with only a few people. Again, they probably thought during the interview that I was much younger than I actually was.

Frima, I think I'd have sent the CEO of the company a nice thank you for hiring me, then a nice comment on age discrimination. Sounds like their company was a disgrace in the first place. Judging by age is really stupid. Some of the best workers are older people. They are usually the ones who have the most experience and their time is not occupied by children and other distractions.

When I was 64 I was hired for a job I reall wanted. I intended to stay there for a good ten years--after all, it was a desk job that did not require any physical activity beyond tapping a keyboard. The HR person was very careful not to ask my age and clearly believed I wa about 50. Eventually, though I stalled it as long as I could, I had to fill out a W2 form for tax withholding. The form requires you to give your date of birth.
The day after I turned in the form I was fired. I was told there was not enough work to keep me on. But until they knew my date of birth there was enough work. So what good does it do you if they can't ask your age? They'll find out sooner or later.

Someone need to learn the difference between effect and affect in that article.

When I was 32, I had an interview with the CEO of an advertising agency. He invited me to sit in a very small chair about (literally) 10 feet away from his "desk," which was more like a pulpit. Then he asked the question: "Are you married?" to which I replied, quite evenly, looking straight at him, "Well, you know, it's against the law for you to ask that, but I can volunteer an answer -- yes, I am married," after which he blanched and concluded the interview after a few other trifling questions. I ruffled that old dude's feathers; he KNEW it was illegal. Didn't want the damn job anyway, after that.

You can sleep with a gun but you better know how to use it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These questions and potential reasons for why they are being asked appear to be slanted against women. Do potential employers ask men if they are married or have children? How would a potential employer know which spouse has the better paying job. For instance I have a friend who is an OB/GYN and although her husband is employed, she probably makes double his salary. They have 2 kids and he works out of the house. Yet if he were to go for another job it wouldn't matter how many kids he has however he is the one there if they have to leave school or be picked up from soccer, etc....

Questions about children or marital status are only stupid, not illegal. It is illegal to consider such information, not ask it. If you were asked one of these questions, you would still have to prove it was the reason you were not selected. If you said you were married and were not selected, and someone else who also answered the question in the affirmative was selected over you, you HAVE NO CASE.

When I was hired at my last job, the interviewer concluded our session by warning me not to get pregnant!

I agree. Interviewers know by now that these questions are out of line. I see no reason to mollify them. If you get an interview like this be prepared for lots of other illegal behaviors on the job itself.