18 Job Interview Questions That Could Get The Bosses In Trouble
Job interviews can be nerve-wracking, but did you know some questions are off-limits? Sometimes, bosses try to get too personal or even break the rules without realizing it.
In this article, we’re diving into 18 job interview questions that could land them in hot water. Whether you’re prepping for an interview or just curious, you’ll find out which questions cross the line and why they should never be asked.
Let’s look at these potentially problematic questions and why they should be avoided.
1. How Old Are You?
Asking “How old are you?” in a job interview might seem harmless, but it can lead to age discrimination.
Employers should focus on your skills and experience, not your age. This question is illegal in many places because it can unfairly target older or younger candidates.
If you’re asked this, try to steer the conversation back to your qualifications. Age shouldn’t matter; what you bring to the table should.
2. Are You Married?
“Are you married?” might sound like small talk, but it’s a red flag in a job interview. This question can be used to make assumptions about your availability or commitment to the job.
For example, they might think you won’t be willing to travel or work late hours.
It’s also a way to pry into your personal life, which isn’t relevant to how well you can do the job. Stick to discussing your skills and experience instead.
3. Do You Have Any Children?
Next up, we have “Do you have any children?” Again, this can lead to discrimination based on family status. Employers should not make assumptions about your ability to work based on whether or not you have kids.
Plus, it’s another personal question that has no bearing on your qualifications for the job.
However, if you feel like they are asking this question to gauge your availability or commitment, you can mention that you have a strong support system in place and are fully committed to the job.
4. What Is Your Religion?
Asking “What is your religion?” in a job interview is a big no-no. This question can lead to religious discrimination and has nothing to do with how well you can perform your job.
Employers should focus on your skills, not your faith. It’s also a personal topic that shouldn’t be part of a professional setting.
If asked, try to redirect the conversation to your work experience and what you can bring to the company.
5. Have You Ever Been Arrested?
“Have you ever been arrested?” is invasive and usually inappropriate to ask in a job interview.
This question can lead to unfair judgments about your character and doesn’t necessarily reflect your ability to do the job.
Many places have laws that protect against this question because it can lead to discrimination. If this comes up, direct the conversation back to your qualifications and your enthusiasm for the role.
6. Do You Have Any Disabilities?
Disabilities have nothing to do with your ability to do a job. Employers should focus on your skills and qualifications, not your health or medical history.
If an employer asks this question, you can politely remind them that it is illegal to discriminate against candidates with disabilities and shift the conversation back to your qualifications for the job.
Feel free not to answer this question if you are uncomfortable doing so. You can also mention that you do not have any disabilities that affect your ability to perform the job duties.
7. What Is Your Nationality?
Asking about your nationality during a job interview can lead to discrimination based on race or ethnicity.
This question does not concern your ability to perform well in the role. Employers should be more interested in your skills, experience, and how you can contribute to the company.
If it comes up, steer the conversation back to your professional qualifications. Remember, what matters most is what you bring to the table.
8. Where Were You Born?
Being asked where you were born in a job interview can feel intrusive and irrelevant. This question can lead to biases and unfair treatment based on your place of origin.
Your birthplace does not affect your skills, qualifications, or ability to do the job effectively.
If asked, gently shift the focus back to your work experience and what you can offer the company. Your professional background counts.
9. What Is Your Native Language?
Being asked about your native language in a job interview can lead to discrimination based on national origin. What matters most are your communication skills and ability to perform the job, not your first language.
Employers should focus on your qualifications and how well you meet the job requirements.
If this question comes up, try to redirect the conversation to your proficiency in the languages necessary for the role and your relevant experience.
10. How Much Do You Weigh?
Questions about your weight are completely inappropriate in a job interview. Your weight does not affect your skills, experience, or capability to perform a job.
This question can also make candidates uncomfortable and judged based on appearance. Instead, employers should be asking about your professional background and how you can contribute to the company’s success.
If asked, steer the conversation back to your qualifications and what makes you the right fit for the job.
11. What Is Your Sexual Orientation?
Asking about your sexual orientation in a job interview is not only inappropriate but also discriminatory. Your ability to perform a job has nothing to do with your personal life.
Employers should focus on your skills, experience, and how you can contribute to the company. This type of question can create a hostile environment and make candidates uncomfortable.
If it comes up, try to redirect the conversation to your professional qualifications and what you can bring to the role.
12. Do You Have Any Plans To Get Pregnant?
Being asked about your plans to get pregnant during a job interview is highly inappropriate. This question can lead to discrimination based on gender and family planning choices.
Employers should be interested in your skills, experience, and commitment to the job, not your personal life decisions. If this arises, steer the conversation back to your qualifications and how you can benefit the company. Your career potential should be the primary focus.
13. What Is Your Political Affiliation?
Questions about your political affiliation during a job interview are irrelevant and inappropriate. Your political views should not have any thing to do with your professional abilities or how well you can perform the job. Employers should focus on your skills, experience, and what you bring to the team.
Discussing politics in an interview can create tension and lead to biased decisions. If asked, steer the conversation back to your qualifications and how you can contribute to the company’s goals.
14. Do You Smoke Or Drink?
Asking whether you smoke or drink in a job interview is intrusive and irrelevant. These personal habits don’t determine your professional skills or work ethic.
Employers should be interested in your experience, qualifications, and how well you fit the role.
This type of question can feel judgmental and make candidates uncomfortable. If it comes up, redirect the conversation to your professional background and what makes you an excellent fit for the job.
15. What Is Your Financial Status?
Discussing your financial status in a job interview is inappropriate and irrelevant. Your finances do not impact your ability to perform the job effectively.
Employers should focus on your skills, experience, and how you can contribute to the company.
This type of question can make candidates feel uncomfortable and unfairly judged. If it comes up, try to redirect the conversation back to your professional qualifications and what makes you a great fit for the role.
16. Do You Have Any Medical Conditions?
Questions about medical conditions during a job interview are intrusive and discriminatory. Your health issues have no bearing on your skills or ability to do the job unless it’s directly relevant, which is rare.
Employers should be more concerned with your qualifications and experience.
Discussing medical conditions can lead to unfair biases. If this question arises, steer the conversation back to your professional background and how you can add value to the team.
17. How Long Do You Plan To Stay With Our Company?
When asked how long you plan to stay with a company, it’s best to show your commitment without getting too specific.
Employers want to know you’re in it for the long haul, but asking this question can feel like putting you on the spot.
Just express your enthusiasm for growing with the company and contributing to its success. Mention that you’re looking for a place where you can develop your skills and make a meaningful impact.
18. Do You Have Any Debt?
Talking about your debt in a job interview is completely unnecessary. Your financial situation should not affect your qualifications or ability to perform well in the role.
Employers should focus on your experience, skills, and fit for the job.
If this comes up, gently steer the conversation back to your professional background and what you bring to the table. Your work ethic and capabilities truly matter.
Questions Shouldn’t be Asked in an Interview
So there you have it – these are the 18 questions that should never be asked in a job interview. Remember, as a candidate, you can refuse to answer inappropriate or discriminatory questions. Always focus on highlighting your qualifications, experience, and passion for the role. If you do encounter any of these questions during an interview, use them as an opportunity to redirect the conversation back to your professional strengths and potential contributions to the company.
25 Proven Ways to Make Money Without Leaving Your PJs
Are you looking for some easy and fun ways to make extra money from the comfort of your home? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re saving up for a big purchase, paying off debt, or just wanting some extra spending money, there are plenty of options.
25 Proven Ways to Make Money Without Leaving Your PJs
17 Traits of a Boss Who Makes You Love Your Job
Great bosses can truly make a big difference in our work lives. They not only help us grow in our careers but also create an environment where we enjoy coming to work every day. This isn’t about giving bonuses or days off – it’s about small, consistent actions that show they care. From listening to our ideas to standing up for us, great leaders know exactly what to do to improve our job experiences.
17 Traits of a Boss Who Makes You Love Your Job
10 Strategic “Weaknesses” to Share With Confidence in a Job Interview
I once attended a job interview where the boss threw me a curveball for the first question. He asked me, “Why shouldn’t I hire you?” Admittedly, I was stumped for a moment before losing any chance I had with the legendarily bad “Because I will make you look bad with my heroic work ethic.” Spoiler alert: I didn’t get called back.
10 Strategic “Weaknesses” to Share With Confidence in a Job Interview
