Job interviews can be stressful, and sometimes interviewers ask questions that they shouldn’t. Many people don’t know that some interview questions are actually illegal. These questions often touch on personal topics that don’t relate to your ability to do the job. They might be about your age, race, religion, or family status. Knowing which questions are off-limits can help you feel more confident in interviews. \
In this blog, I’ll share 18 illegal interview questions that you don’t have to answer.
How old are you?
Asking about your age is illegal in most cases. This question can lead to age discrimination. Employers should focus on your ability to do the job, not your age. You can politely redirect the conversation to your experience and skills instead.
Are you married?
Your marital status is personal information and not relevant to most jobs. This question could be used to discriminate against certain candidates. It’s best to avoid answering and instead focus on your qualifications. You might say, “I prefer to keep my personal life separate from work.”
Do you have children?
Questions about children or plans to have children are off-limits. These can be used to discriminate against parents or women of childbearing age. This information doesn’t affect your ability to do the job. You can redirect by discussing your commitment to work-life balance.
What is your religion?
Your religious beliefs are private and not related to most jobs. This question could lead to religious discrimination. Employers should not base hiring decisions on religious practices. You can politely state that your religion won’t interfere with your job performance.
Where were you born?
Questions about your birthplace or national origin are illegal. This could be used for discrimination based on ethnicity or citizenship. The only relevant question is whether you’re legally allowed to work in the country. You can redirect to discuss your work authorization if necessary.
Do you have any disabilities?
Employers can’t ask about disabilities before making a job offer. They can only ask if you can perform the job’s essential functions. You’re not required to disclose any disabilities at this stage. Focus on your abilities and how you can excel in the role.
Have you ever been arrested?
Questions about arrest records are generally not allowed. Employers can ask about convictions related to the job. An arrest doesn’t mean you were found guilty of a crime. You can explain that you prefer to discuss matters relevant to the job.
What is your sexual orientation?
Your sexual orientation is private and not job-related. This question could lead to discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s illegal in many places to make hiring decisions based on sexual orientation. You can firmly state that this information is not relevant to your qualifications.
Are you pregnant?
Asking if you’re pregnant or plan to become pregnant is illegal. This question is often used to discriminate against women. Pregnancy status doesn’t affect your ability to do most jobs. You can redirect the conversation to your skills and experience.
What political party do you support?
Your political views are personal and not related to most jobs. This question could lead to discrimination based on political beliefs. Employers shouldn’t make hiring decisions based on political affiliations. You can state that you keep your political views separate from your professional life.
Do you drink alcohol?
Questions about alcohol use are generally not allowed unless directly related to the job. This could be used to discriminate against people with past alcohol issues. Focus on your ability to perform job duties. You can say that you don’t mix alcohol with work responsibilities.
What is your native language?
Asking about your native language could be used for national origin discrimination. The focus should be on languages you can speak that are relevant to the job. You can discuss the languages you’re fluent in, which would benefit the role.
Do you have any debt?
Questions about your personal finances are usually off-limits. This information could be used to discriminate unfairly. Only certain jobs, like those in finance, might require a credit check. You can say that your personal finances don’t affect your job performance.
Have you ever filed for worker’s compensation?
Asking about past worker’s compensation claims is illegal in most cases. This could be used to discriminate against people with past work injuries. The focus should be on your current ability to do the job. You can redirect to discuss your relevant work experience.
What type of discharge did you receive from the military?
While employers can ask about your military experience, the type of discharge is off-limits. This information could be used to discriminate unfairly. Focus on the skills and experience you gained in the military. You can discuss how your military background prepares you for the job.
Do you belong to any clubs or organizations?
Questions about club memberships could be used to gather information about your race, religion, or sexual orientation. This isn’t relevant to most jobs. You can mention professional organizations if they’re relevant to the position. Otherwise, state that your personal associations don’t affect your work.
How long do you plan to work before you retire?
This question is another way of trying to determine your age. It could be used for age discrimination. Your retirement plans are personal and not relevant to your current job performance. You can discuss your career goals and how this position fits into them.
Do you have a car?
While employers can ask if you have reliable transportation, asking specifically about car ownership is usually not allowed. This could discriminate against people who use public transportation. Focus on your ability to get to work on time. You can assure them that transportation won’t be an issue for you.
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