Handling Illegal Or Inappropriate Interview Questions: Your Guide

Job interviews are crucial for getting the job you want. It’s a chance for you to showcase your skills, experience, and personality to a potential employer. However, not all interview questions are legal or appropriate. Some questions can be discriminatory or invasive, which can make you uncomfortable and affect your chances of getting the job.

What Are Illegal or Inappropriate Interview Questions?

Illegal or inappropriate interview questions refer to questions that violate your rights as a job candidate. These types of questions may be discriminatory, invasive, or irrelevant to the job you’re applying for. The following are some examples of illegal or inappropriate interview questions:

• Questions about your age, race, ethnicity, or national origin
• Questions about your religion or beliefs
• Questions about your marital status or family status
• Questions about your sexual orientation or gender identity
• Questions about your disabilities or health status
• Questions about your financial situation or credit history
• Questions about your criminal record or arrest history

What Should You Do if You Encounter Illegal or Inappropriate Interview Questions?

If you encounter illegal or inappropriate interview questions, it’s important to handle the situation professionally and assertively. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Stay Calm and Composed

It’s natural to feel angry or frustrated when faced with illegal or inappropriate interview questions. However, it’s important to stay calm and composed. Take a deep breath and try to remain focused on the interview.

2. Politely Decline to Answer the Question

You have the right to decline to answer any illegal or inappropriate interview questions. Politely decline to answer the question and explain why it’s not relevant to the job you’re applying for.

3. Redirect the Conversation

If the interviewer persists in asking illegal or inappropriate interview questions, try to redirect the conversation back to your skills, experience, and qualifications for the job. You can say something like, “I’d prefer to focus on my qualifications for the job. Can we discuss that instead?”

4. Report the Incident

If you feel uncomfortable or discriminated against during the interview, you can report the incident to the appropriate authorities. This can include the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Human Resources department of the company, or a legal advocate.

What Are Some Legal Interview Questions?

There are many legal interview questions that employers can ask during an interview. These questions are relevant to the job you’re applying for and don’t violate your rights as a job candidate. Here are some examples:

• Questions about your previous work experience
• Questions about your education and qualifications
• Questions about your skills and abilities
• Questions about your availability and schedule
• Questions about your work style and preferences
• Questions about your career goals and aspirations

Conclusion

Illegal or inappropriate interview questions can be uncomfortable and unfair. As a job candidate, it’s important to know your rights and be prepared to handle these types of questions professionally. Remember to stay calm, decline to answer the question, redirect the conversation, and report the incident if necessary.

FAQs

1. Can an interviewer ask about my religious beliefs?

No, an interviewer cannot legally ask about your religious beliefs. This violates your rights as a job candidate.

2. Can an interviewer ask about my health history?

No, an interviewer cannot legally ask about your health history. This violates your rights as a job candidate.

3. What should I do if I feel uncomfortable during an interview?

If you feel uncomfortable during an interview, you can politely decline to answer the question and redirect the conversation. If the situation persists, you can report the incident to the appropriate authorities.

4. What types of questions are legal during an interview?

Legal interview questions are relevant to the job you’re applying for and don’t violate your rights as a job candidate. Examples include questions about your work experience, education, skills, and availability.

5. What should I do if I encounter discriminatory hiring practices?

If you encounter discriminatory hiring practices, you can report the incident to the appropriate authorities, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a legal advocate.