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Many employers hate interviewing because there are several types of questions that are either unethical, or flat out illegal to ask in an interview. The following categories contain the top 10 interview questions employers aren't supposed to ask. If an employer asks you an improper question you will have to use your judgement whether or not to answer. A polite, "I would prefer not to answer questions about my personal life in an interview" would probably be fine if the questions make you uncomfortable.
And now, without further ado... the job interview answers you shouldn't have to give!
Age
Questions they shouldn't ask:
How old are you? What is your date of birth?
Questions they can ask:
Are you at least 18 years old?
Arrest Record
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Have you ever been arrested?
Questions they can ask:
Have you ever been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor?
Children or Child Care
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Do you have children? How old are your children? What kind of childcare arrangements have you made? Do you plan to have children?
Questions they can ask:
This position requires extensive travel, are you able to handle traveling for about 8 days per month? This position requires dependable job attendance and frequent last-minute overtime. Can you meet those requirements?
Credit Problems
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Do you own a home? Have you ever filed for bankruptcy? Have you ever had your wages garnished?
Questions they can ask:
There's no acceptable question for this category. It's simply none of their business.
Disability
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Do you have any disabilities? Have you ever been treated for any of the following diseases?
Questions they can ask:
How well can you handle stress? Can you perform ___? (specific job function)
Health
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Have you ever sought treatment for any inability to handle stress? Are you able to stand or walk? How many sick-leave days did you take last year? What medications are you currently taking? Have you ever been addicted to drugs?
Questions they can ask:
Same as last question
Height and Weight
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Are you at least ___ tall? Do you weigh less than ___?
Questions they can ask:
Can you work within the confines of a 2 foot aisle? Can you place packages in compartments that are 6 feet above the floor.
Marital Status
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Are you married, single, divorced, widowed, or separated? What is your maiden name? What does your spouse do for a living?
Questions they can ask:
This question is none of their business. They are not allowed to ask any questions in this category.
Race and National Origin
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Where were you born? Where were your parents or spouse born?
Questions they can ask:
If employed, will you be able to produce evidence that you are eligible for employment in the United States?
English Language Skills
Questions they shouldn't ask:
Do you speak English fluently? What is your native language? How did you learn to read, write, or speak a foreign language?
Questions they can ask:
What language to you speak or write fluently? (They can only ask this if the job requires bilingual or language skills)
These are the job interview answers you shouldn't have to give. Use your judgement of whether or not to answer any interview questions that are not appropriate, but remember to be respectful. If this boss is asking too many of these questions or insisting on job interview answers even after you have politely declined you probably do NOT want to work for them.
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