Going into an interview, you have no idea what kind of questions you may encounter. While this can be nerve-racking, it is also important to know what types of questions you do not have to answer. Interview questions related to gender, marital status, race, age and sexual orientation set a candidate up for discrimination. Get to know these 10 illegal questions to protect yourself in an interview.
1. How Old Are You?
Employers are not permitted to ask interview questions related to age, including what year you were born and how long you have been working. Your answer to this interview question could result in age discrimination.
2. Are You Married?
Interview questions about marital status are off-limits. It is illegal for an interviewer to ask whether you are married, single or divorced. Watch out for interviewers who try to skirt around the topic by asking your maiden name.
3. Do You Have Children?
Interview questions related to children give hiring managers insight into your availability, but they are illegal. Interviewers should not ask whether you have children or whether you plan to have children. Interview questions about child care and birth control are also illegal.
4. Does Your Religion Prevent You From Working Weekends?
It is illegal for interviewers to inquire about your religious background. While a hiring manager can ask if you are available to work Sundays or certain holidays, he cannot ask if your inability to work these days relates to your religion.
5. Have You Ever Been Arrested?
Interviewers are permitted to ask whether you have ever been convicted of a crime, but it is illegal to ask whether you have ever been arrested.
6. How Much Outstanding Debt Do You Have?
It is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you based on your debt. If an employer wants to check your credit history, you must provide permission first.
7. Do You Drink Alcohol?
An interviewer who asks about your drinking habits is violating the Americans With Disabilities Act.
8. Do You Have Any Use of Your Legs?
It is illegal for interviewers to ask you any questions related to a physical disability or a handicap, as this also violates the Americans With Disabilities Act.
9. Do You Have Any Health Conditions?
Interviewers are not permitted to ask any questions related to your health, pre-existing conditions or medical history.
10. What County Are You From?
Interview questions relating to race, color, nationality, ancestry or your birthplace are not allowed. An interviewer may innocently inquire about your accent, but you are not required to provide an answer.
When faced with an illegal question, attempt to ignore the question and redirect the conversation. The interviewer may not even realize the interview question was inappropriate and may appreciate you changing the topic. If you are faced with a question that is blatantly illegal and offensive, remember that you do not have to answer and can terminate the interview.
Photo courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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