Exactly what Diana said. Asking about children and future plans are inappropriate questions. That’s a red flag, because the interviewer either does not know what they’re doing or believes you don’t know they can’t discriminate. (If the reason they are asking to to determine whether or not they are hiring you.). The rules change somewhat for businesses with few employees. If asked again you can politely say “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what that has to do with the position.” (Or maybe something similar that sounds better?) You want to give them the impression of professionalism.

I was asked why I left my last position and my response was something like ... there were things going on within the business that we’re outside my control, and I would otherwise still be there. It was honest without putting down the company. I don’t think your response was a bad one. Someone could see it as saying something bad, but in my opinion it would be because they don’t share the same values as you do.

Good luck and keep going. From your post, you seem not only intelligent, but also hold professional values.

They have no right to ask you these questions and you should report them. I have a degree in HR and worked in that field. They probably know better but are thinking you will answer. They cannot ask anything pertaining to your age, i.e. what year did you graduated high school, etc. which is what they do on phone interviews. You might answer " I am looking for new challenges". Good luck.

I teach online and set my own schedule and love it. Contact me at GaryLadka@mindspring.com if you are interested.

Always leave the past in the past

Never bad-mouth a previous employer. Instead explain to them that the work environment was not conducive to postive moral and team goal achievement. They may ask you to elaborate where you can explain the situation.

That question is illegal...keep interviewing

If they are asking those types of questions then it wasn't somewhere you wanted to work because it wouldn't stop there. If you got the job, they would probably be "all up in your business ". So it was a blessing in disguise that you didn't get it. I worked for people like that and they felt like they had a right to know and comment on what was going on in my personal life.

While you aren't answering wrong about wanting to work in a more professional environment, maybe say you are looking for an environment where you can grow and expand. This gives potential employers the picture that you are willing to work hard for them and better yourself. I think by bringing up the "non-professional" environment they are picturing someone who is a whiner and complainer and thinking that they are going to be spending time placating you instead of working. You just want to phrase it so they get a different picture in their head about you.

I agree with Joyce. That is a "NO NO"!

First of all, it’s soooooo beyond illegal to ask if you have or are planning on having kids. You immediately tell them that they should know that they aren’t allowed to ask this. That’s federal! Not just state by state. Second, it’s not wrong to say that you would have preferred a more professional environment. But under NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you ever answer the question about whether you do, don’t, are, or are not planning to have children. It is illegal and none of their business!

Unfortunately your in a Male dominated society. The reality is companies dont want to be bothered with child birth and family. They expect employees to live for the company and not have a life. Have faith in you. Find a way to work for you and not some greedy boss.