Answering interviewers' improper questions

By Joan Cirillo, Globe Correspondent, 7/25/04

I am a female commercial construction project manager searching for another job. My problem arises when I am asked by interviewers if I have children. I know this is illegal, but I have been asked that question at five of my six interviews. If I state that I would rather not answer, then they will know that I have children. I'm afraid that if I state that they shouldn't ask me that, then I will offend the interviewer and lose any chance I had of getting the job. What consequences will I face if I lie and say I don't have kids, get the job, and then the boss finds out that I do? So far, I've answered this question honestly. Why do they ask this question? And what is the best way to address it?

Employers keep asking the question for a variety of reasons: concern about your ability to balance home life and work life, additional benefit costs, availability, and overtime issues, to name a few. Though most employers are enlightened and know not to ask this question, there are certain industries that have not had a long history of working with women and are concerned about getting the work done on time and within budget.

Lying to an employer is a bad practice and I would not suggest that you do that. I might answer in the following way: ''Yes, I do have children. I have fantastic child care set up that I have been using for years and back-up systems in case I need them, so don't give it another thought.''

Then move on to the next topic. You have addressed the concern without giving too much information. That should be enough to take care of any concerns a potential employer may have.