Illegal Interview Questions

Employers are not allowed to ask job applicants any questions that do not relate directly the job that they are applying for. Employers are not allowed to ask questions that relate to your:

When you are applying for a job, the employer should ask you questions that relate to the job. Questions should focus on your skills, experience and qualifications for the job.

Sample Illegal Interview Questions

The following questions are illegal during a job interview:

Why Are These Questions Illegal?

An employer is supposed to make hiring decisions based on your ability to do the job. Questions about personal information during interviews are illegal because they can lead to discrimination against applicants.

It is important for both interviewers and job applicants to understand which types of questions are illegal during a job interview.

How To Respond To Illegal Questions

What should you do if you are asked illegal interview questions during an interview?

You have three options:

• Answer the question

You are allowed to answer illegal questions during an interview if you decide to. You must remember, however, that the questions do not relate to your ability to do the job. The interviewer should not use the information you have given to be used as a reason not to hire you.

• Refuse to answer the questions

You do not have to answer illegal questions. It can be very difficult to do this in an interview, however. You must be very careful to state your refusal in a way that is not angry or defensive.

• Try to understand the reason behind the question

Try to answer in a way that applies to your suitability for the job. For example, if you are asked the illegal question “What country are you from?” you can answer, “I am legally allowed to work in this country.” This answer assumes that the interviewer is concerned about your work status.

If you cannot see why you are being asked the question, then you can ask the interviewer how the question relates to your suitability for the position.

“Can you tell me how this question relates to my ability to do the job” is a signal to the interviewer that he or she has asked an illegal question. The interviewer should restate the question in a more appropriate way.

Dealing With Illegal Interview Questions

Most interviewers do not mean to ask illegal questions. You should respond appropriately and professionally. Try to answer the question in a way that shows your qualifications for the position.

Examples of answers to illegal questions:

Remember to keep the focus on your skills and abilities for the position. If you handle illegal questions in a professional manner, you will make a good impression on the interviewer. It will help you to stand out as an ideal candidate for the job.