The interviewer shouldn’t ask you how far away you live from the office; however, he is allowed to find out if you’re able to start work at a certain hour or relocate for the position. If you’re targeting positions that require relocation, don’t be afraid to state in your professional summary on your resume and online profiles that you’re willing and able to relocate immediately. If you have family in the area or you’ve lived there in the past, there’s nothing wrong with stating that you have an established, local support system. This demonstrates that you’re not a costly flight risk, should they hire you.
The next time an interviewer touches on one of these topics, try to find out what she is actually concerned about and steer the conversation to address those particular concerns. Keep the conversation light and friendly – you don’t need to come off as angry or defensive. Remember, often the interviewer is unaware of the federal laws and is simply being friendly.