Job interviews can be stressful, with candidates striving to present their best selves while assessing if the company is a good fit. However, sometimes the interview process takes an unexpected turn when an interviewer asks an illegal question. These questions, whether intentional or accidental, can leave candidates feeling uncomfortable and unsure of how to respond.
Understanding illegal interview questions
Illegal interview questions are those that pertain to a candidate’s race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, religion, or other protected characteristics. These questions are prohibited because they can lead to discrimination in hiring practices. Some examples include:
- Are you married?
- Do you have children or plan to have children?
- How old are you?
- What religion do you practice?
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Strategies for responding to illegal questions
Redirect the conversation: Politely steer the conversation back to your qualifications. For instance, if asked about your marital status, you could say:
“I’m very committed to maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which I believe enhances my productivity and focus. Could you tell me more about the team I would be working with?”
Seek clarification: Sometimes, interviewers may ask a question without realizing its implications. You can ask for clarification to give them a chance to rephrase:
“Could you please clarify how this question relates to the requirements of the job?”
Address the underlying concern: Address the concern behind the question without answering it directly. For example, if asked about your age:
“I bring a wealth of experience and am always eager to learn and adapt to new challenges. Can you tell me more about the continuing education opportunities your company offers?”
Politely decline to answer: You have the right to refuse to answer an illegal question. You might say:
“I prefer to keep my personal life separate from my professional life. I’m confident that my skills and experience make me a strong candidate for this role.”
Highlight your qualifications: Use the opportunity to reiterate your strengths and suitability for the position:
“Regardless of my personal circumstances, I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your team with my expertise in [specific skill or experience].”
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