Is this job interview question out of line?

If you are interviewing for a job within your current company, and they ask, "If you don't get this job, will you stay in your current position or look for jobs outside the company?"...

Is that legal? Is it out of line? What would an appropriate answer be or are you obligated to give one at all?
Additional Details
In response to the first answer:
How would being a "flight risk" influence my getting the job? Would they be more or less likely to give me the position based on any answer to this question?

I just feel like it is an underhanded, nosy question that should have no bearing on my chances of getting the new job.

workin man

It is out of line, although it is leagal. It is a more direct way of asking the classic question "where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

If I can give you some advice, when it comes to interview questions that may be illegial, answer them anyway, expecially if you really want the job. If you reply w/ "That is an illegal question" that is the same as saying "I'm going to ge a big pain in the neck for the next 5 years, and I won't do anyting outside of my job description". Even if that is not your intention.

I have been asked "do you have childeren", a huge illegial question, and the best response is "None that will interfier with my work".

The fact of the matter is that it is an empoyers market, there are more qualified people out there than there are jobs, so you may have to say what the employer wants to hear in order to get the job you really want.

Mel

No, it's not illegal or out of line - they want to know whether you are a "flight risk" if you don't get the internal transfer you want.

The appropriate answer is that you would stay in your current job and continue to pursue other opportunities within the company (true or not - you don't want to tell them that you'd start looking outside.) You can add that you would like to receive feedback about where you fell short for this position so that you can improve your skills for the next opportunity.

Good luck.

Chris

What's wrong with saying "I would stay in my current position as I really enjoy working for this company and would like to move my career along here. If this isn't the right opportunity I'm sure we will find the one that will best use my skills and allow me to add more value to the company.

That's a idiot/moron question. Only idiots would ask it and only morons would say I'll be looking for jobs outside the company. The kind of dimwit that would ask that question will be posting your answer on their fridge and telling the other dimwits about your loyalty and dedication. Anyone commenting on your answer inside the firm should be considered suspect for minimal intelligence.

trojan

It's not illegal. They are just concerned about the company and wondering if your seeking the higher position (no matter where) or will be satisfied staying where your at, if your denied.
Just tell them that at this time you are unsure (unless you are happy where your at then let them know that).

mj69catz

They are trying to get an honest answer out of an honest question many times. Don't necessarily try to read something into it. They may be aware that you aren't really happy in your current position. They may also be aware that you are looking outside of the company (if you are).

They are looking to see how important this position is. If you are in a situation where you wouldn't stay in your current position for more than a year, then say so. Indicate why (e.g. While I would go back to my current position, I am looking to advance at sometime in the future. I am looking to increase my experience and broaden my ability to fully support the company. )

Is it illegal or out of line? No to both. Why wouldn't they want to know this information? Why wouldn't you be willing to give it. If you are unhappy in one position, and unhappy with this question, then perhaps you are unhappy with the company and should be looking at other positions.

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