Job Interview Questions - You Say What?

Are there illegal interview questions an employer can ask during an interview? Yes there are and if the employer chooses to ask them they can face legal implications at the Federal, State, and Civic level. Still, many employers are ignorant of the law or choose to disobey it.

Job interview questions should be focused on what the employer needs to know to make an informed decision when hiring. Are you, based on the qualifications outlined in your resume and the requirements of the job, the "most qualified" candidate? When employers stray from job-related questions to personal ones discrimination issues can become a factor.

The law is clear on specific employment discrimination categories such as race, color, sex, age, and disability. However, employers can circumvent the law by stating the questions are related to the specific performance of the job. Even so, there are illegal interview questions they shouldn’t ask. Whatever situation you find yourself in during the interview process it’s your decision on whether or not you answer the questions.

What are some of the illegal interview questions an employer may ask and how you can handle them?

Any question that deals with your personal life is a question that shouldn’t be asked.

• Are you married?
• Are you divorced?
• Do you have a significant other?
• Do you have children?

Politely tell the employer that while you’re at work you will devote your time to work, but what happens in your personal life is personal.

You can also ask the employer how the question relates to the job and why they want to know. The work might be such that they want to know if you’re committed or capable of working for them. A utility company is a public service company and usually requires their employees to work overtime as required.

Any question that’s related to sexual orientation, age, race, physical capability, etc. is illegal to ask in the interview. You do not have to reply to these questions.

• How old are you?
• Do you have any disabilities?
• What’s your ethnicity?

It can be a very uncomfortable position to be in when faced with these kinds of questions. Take note of the time, date, names of people present during the interview and be prepared to file a complaint if necessary.

You can obtain up-to-date information on what an employer can ask by contacting your local government office (labor relations) or the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity office. A quick Internet search prior to the interview will reveal the types of questions that are illegal in an interview.

Be prepared for Illegal Interview Questions by downloading our Free Job Interview Success Tips Ebook today.