I think many scenarios such as the one you suggest could work. Words that build trust and rapport build the relationship. Words that indicate defensiveness tear it down. Thanks for commenting!

This is an interesting topic that needs to be raised and each person should determine what fits for her/him. May I suggest that each person should consider not only thinking about a response, but also place themselves in a mock interview situation where he/she can practice under simulated conditions.

Further, what do you think of the idea of quickly responding the the question, say, yes we do share the responsibility of raising three children and looking in on all of their grandparents and then going right into why the interviewee is most qualified for the position. In other words, look at the big picture that everyone is faced with and turn the question into an opportunity.

Terrific topic,
Dan

This is a really good point and why I mention that sometimes the interviewer doesn’t even know their questions are technically inappropriate/illegal. Job seekers may decide to just answer the questions directly to keep the conversation going and establish the rapport if they truly think the motive of the interviewer is just small talk. But sometimes small talk isn’t really small talk…it’s a cover for an underlying concern on the hiring manager’s part. Every interviewer has an agenda. Part of the job seeker’s goal is to figure out what that agenda is.