Ever faced awkward questions in a job interview?
We have all been there! From questions about maternity, to wedding plans, we have faced them all.
So, if you are preparing for your next job interview, it is crucial to understand how to answer unusual interview questions and what is the best way to tackle them.
Read this article to learn all about 18 illegal interview questions and understand how to answer them with sample answers.
What is your age?
Can an employer ask your age in an interview?
Asking about a candidate's age can be discriminatory, as it may lead to age-based bias in hiring decisions.
Age is generally irrelevant to a person's ability to perform a job, and focusing on it can contribute to ageism in the workplace.
Sample answer
I appreciate your interest. However, I believe my skills and experience are more relevant to discuss. My diverse background has equipped me with valuable insights and capabilities that I'm eager to contribute to this role.
Are you married?
This may not seem like an inappropriate interview question to many people but inquiring about marital status can be seen as an invasion of privacy and may lead to gender bias.
Marital status has no bearing on one's ability to perform a job, and asking this question can perpetuate stereotypes or contribute to discrimination based on family status.
Sample answer
Thank you for asking, but my marital status doesn't impact my professional qualifications.
I am committed to delivering excellent results and believe that my skills in [mention a relevant skill] make me well-suited for this position.
Do you have children or plan to have children?
This is a classic example of an illegal interview question as it delves into a person's family planning and potentially leads to gender bias.
It's an invasion of privacy and could influence hiring decisions based on assumptions about a candidate's commitment or availability due to family responsibilities.
Sample answer
I understand the importance of work-life balance, and I am confident in my ability to manage my responsibilities effectively.
My focus is on contributing my expertise to the success of the team and the organization.
What is your religion or faith?
Inquiring about an individual's religious beliefs is a violation of privacy and may lead to religious discrimination, making it an interview question that recruiters must never ask!
Employment decisions should be based on a person's qualifications and ability to perform the job, not on their religious background or beliefs.
Sample answer
I appreciate the question, but I believe that personal beliefs are private matters. I am here to discuss how my professional skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role.
I am confident that my dedication and qualifications will positively contribute to the success of the team.
What is your race or ethnicity?
Inquiring about an individual's race or ethnicity is a direct violation of anti-discrimination laws, making it an illegal interview question.
Employment decisions should be based on qualifications and merit, not on factors related to a person's background.
Sample Answer
I appreciate your interest in my qualifications for the position. However, I believe my professional experience and skills are more relevant to discuss in the context of this job.
I am confident that my diverse skill set will contribute positively to the team and the company's goals.
What country are you from?
This question can be perceived as an attempt to determine a candidate's national origin.
Employment decisions should be solely based on an individual's ability to perform the job, and questions about national origin can lead to discrimination.
Sample Answer
I'm glad you're curious about my background. I need to emphasize that I am fully authorized to work in this country. My focus is on the value and expertise I bring to the role, which aligns well with the requirements we've discussed. If you have any questions about my professional background or skills, I'd be happy to address them.
What is your sexual orientation?
Asking about someone's sexual orientation is an invasion of privacy and has no relevance to job performance.
Employment decisions should be based on skills, experience, and qualifications, not on personal characteristics.
Sample Answer
I appreciate the interest, but I believe my personal life is separate from my professional qualifications.
I am confident that my dedication to my work and my relevant skills make me a strong candidate for this position. Let's focus on how my experience aligns with the job requirements.
Are you pregnant/ planning to start a family?
Inquiring about a candidate's pregnancy status is a clear violation of anti-discrimination laws related to gender and family status.
Employment decisions should be made based on qualifications and abilities, not on personal or family planning choices.
Sample Answer
I'm here to discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to the success of the team. I believe my skills in [mention specific skills] make me a strong fit for this position.
Family planning is a personal matter, and I am committed to maintaining a professional focus on my work. I am confident that my dedication and abilities will positively impact the role.
Do you have a disability?
Inquiring about a candidate's disability status is a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and similar anti-discrimination laws in many other jurisdictions.
Disability status should not be a factor in hiring decisions, and candidates should be evaluated based on their qualifications and ability to perform the job with or without reasonable accommodations.
Sample answer
I appreciate your concern, but I believe my ability to perform the job should be the focus of our discussion.
I want to assure you that my skills and qualifications make me well-suited for this position.
If there are specific job-related requirements or tasks you'd like to discuss, I'd be happy to address how I can contribute effectively.
What is your native language?
Inquiring about a candidate's native language can be perceived as an attempt to gather information about their national origin or ethnicity.
Employment decisions should be based on skills, qualifications, and the ability to perform the job, rather than language background.
Sample answer:
I appreciate your interest, but I want to emphasize that my language proficiency, communication skills, and ability to contribute to the team are what make me a strong candidate.
If there are specific language requirements for the role, I'd be happy to discuss how I meet those criteria and how my skills can add value to the position.
How is your health?
Questions about an individual's general health are considered invasive and can be indicative of discrimination based on perceived disabilities or health conditions.
Employment decisions should be made based on a candidate's ability to perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodations, rather than their overall health status.
Sample answer
I believe that my qualifications and professional experiences are more indicative of my ability to perform in this role.
My commitment to delivering quality work and achieving goals remains consistent.
If there are any concerns related to the job requirements, I'd be happy to discuss how my skills and track record align with the needs of the position."
Have you ever been arrested?
Asking about a candidate's arrest record can be considered discriminatory. It assumes guilt before innocence and might disproportionately affect certain demographic groups.
Sample answer
I appreciate your concern for a safe work environment.
However, I believe my qualifications and professional experience are more relevant to discuss in the context of this job.
I'm confident that my skills in [mention a relevant skill] make me a strong fit for this position.
Do you have any outstanding debt?
Inquiring about a candidate's financial situation can be invasive. Financial status is not a relevant criterion for most jobs, and asking such questions may disproportionately impact individuals facing financial difficulties.
Sample answer
I understand the importance of financial responsibility, but my personal finances are not directly related to my ability to excel in this role.
I am confident that my skills in [mention a relevant skill] and my track record of [mention a relevant achievement] make me a valuable candidate for this position."
What is your credit score?
A candidate's credit score is generally irrelevant to their ability to perform a job. This question can be seen as intrusive and may disproportionately affect individuals who have faced financial challenges.
Sample answer
I appreciate your interest in ensuring a trustworthy team. However, I believe that my credit history is a personal matter.
I assure you that my commitment to professionalism and my skills in [mention a relevant skill] will contribute significantly to the success of this team.
Do you drink alcohol or smoke?
Personal lifestyle choices, such as drinking or smoking, are generally not relevant to job performance.
These questions can be seen as prying into a candidate's private life and may not provide any meaningful information about their ability to perform the job.
I understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work environment. However, my personal lifestyle choices are separate from my professional qualifications.
I am dedicated to my work and believe that my skills in [mention a relevant skill] will positively impact the team's success.
What political party do you support?
Political beliefs are personal and have no bearing on job performance. Asking this question can lead to bias and potential discrimination based on political affiliation.
Sample answer
I appreciate the diversity of opinions that people hold, but I prefer to keep my political affiliations private. I believe in maintaining a neutral and inclusive work environment.
What I can assure you is my commitment to professionalism and focus on my job responsibilities, regardless of any personal political views.
Do you belong to any social or professional organizations?
This question can reveal personal affiliations that are unrelated to job performance.
It may lead to biased assumptions or discrimination based on memberships in certain groups.
Sample answer
I value my privacy regarding personal affiliations, and I believe it's important to separate personal and professional aspects.
However, I am actively engaged in staying updated within my industry and am committed to continuous professional development.
My focus is on contributing my skills and expertise to the role I am applying for.
Have you ever been treated for mental health issues?
Inquiring about mental health history violates privacy rights. Mental health is considered protected health information, and asking such questions can lead to discrimination against individuals with mental health conditions.
Sample answer
I believe mental health is an important topic, and I appreciate your concern.
However, my health history is personal. I want to assure you that I am fully capable of performing the responsibilities of the job.
I am committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance and bringing my best to the workplace every day.
What is your height and weight?
Questions about physical characteristics can be invasive and have no relevance to job performance.
Such inquiries may lead to discrimination based on appearance, which is both unprofessional and illegal.
Sample answer
"I understand the need for ensuring a healthy work environment, but I believe that physical attributes are not indicative of one's professional capabilities.
My focus is on the skills and experiences I bring to the position. I am confident that my qualifications and dedication to my work will allow me to excel in this role, regardless of physical characteristics."
Conclusion
Remember to maintain a positive tone and shift the conversation back to your qualifications, skills, and enthusiasm for the position.
This approach conveys your commitment to maintaining professional boundaries while emphasizing your ability to contribute effectively to the workplace.
These questions violate the principles of equal employment opportunity and can lead to discrimination against certain individuals or groups.
Employment decisions should be based on merit, qualifications, and job-related criteria to ensure fair and unbiased hiring practices.
These responses assert your boundaries while redirecting the conversation to focus on your qualifications and how they make you a strong fit for the job.
Happy interviewing!
These questions are not only considered inappropriate but are also against the principles of equal employment opportunity. Asking about personal characteristics that are unrelated to the job can lead to biased decision-making and may result in legal consequences. It is essential for employers to focus on evaluating candidates based on their skills, experiences, and qualifications relevant to the position in order to ensure fair and unbiased hiring practices.
These responses communicate a clear boundary while redirecting the conversation toward your qualifications and professional attributes. It's important to assert your commitment to the job, emphasizing that your personal characteristics will not impact your ability to perform effectively in the role.
