10 Questions HR Shouldn’t Be Asking You in a Job Interview and How to Handle Them Confidently
Job interviews can already feel a bit nerve-wracking. The last thing you need is to be caught off guard by a question that feels too personal or just plain out of place.
Sometimes, interviewers cross the line and bring up topics that have nothing to do with your ability to do the job. These questions can be uncomfortable and even illegal.
Knowing which questions are off-limits can help you stay calm and collected. It also lets you spot red flags about a company’s culture before you even start.
What is your age?
Hearing “What is your age?” in an interview can throw anyone off. Asking about age is not allowed and can lead to discrimination.
Your ability to do the job has nothing to do with how old you are. If this comes up, you’re within your rights to avoid answering.
Sometimes, interviewers just don’t realize this question is inappropriate. A polite reminder that your age isn’t relevant can help keep things professional.
Are you married or planning to start a family?
Questions about your marital status or family plans are not relevant to your qualifications. If someone asks, you’re not obligated to share.
These topics can lead to assumptions about your commitment or availability. Employers should focus on your skills, not your personal life.
If you feel uneasy, it’s okay to gently steer the conversation back to what matters: your experience and abilities.
What religion do you practice?
Questions about religion have no place in most job interviews. Employers aren’t supposed to ask about your religious beliefs.
There are rare exceptions if the job is with a religious organization. For most roles, though, this is private information.
If this topic comes up, you can simply say you’d prefer to focus on your qualifications.
What is your race or ethnicity?
Being asked about your race or ethnicity can be jarring. This question is not allowed and has nothing to do with your ability to work.
If you’re faced with this, you can politely decline to answer. Bringing the conversation back to your experience is always a safe move.
Laws exist to protect you from this kind of discrimination. Knowing your rights can help you feel more at ease.
Do you have any disabilities?
Questions about disabilities are not permitted before a job offer is made. Employers can only ask about your ability to handle specific job tasks.
If you need accommodations, you can choose to share that information, but you’re not required to talk about your health or disability status.
The focus should always be on your skills and what you can bring to the team.
Have you ever been arrested?
Being asked about arrests is often not allowed, as an arrest does not mean guilt. Employers can ask about convictions if it relates to the job, but not about arrests.
If this question comes up, you can remind the interviewer that it may not be appropriate. Shifting the conversation back to your qualifications is a good approach.
Knowing your local laws can also help you feel more prepared for these situations.
What is your sexual orientation?
Questions about your sexual orientation are personal and unrelated to your work. These should not come up in an interview.
If you’re asked, you can choose not to answer and remind the interviewer that it isn’t relevant to the job.
Your qualifications and experience are what matter most.
Do you have children or childcare responsibilities?
Questions about your children or who cares for them are not relevant to your ability to do the job. Employers should only ask about your availability if it directly relates to the position.
If this topic comes up, you’re allowed to keep your family life private. Redirect the conversation to your skills and experience.
What country are you originally from?
Being asked where you’re from can feel uncomfortable. Your country of origin should not impact your job prospects.
Employers can ask if you’re legally allowed to work in the country, but not about your background. If this comes up, keep the focus on your qualifications.
Knowing your rights helps you stay confident and comfortable during interviews.
What is your political affiliation?
Politics is a personal topic that shouldn’t come up in a job interview. Employers are expected to avoid questions about your political views.
If asked, you can politely decline or redirect the conversation to your experience and skills.
Your political beliefs have no bearing on your ability to succeed in the role.
Understanding Legal Boundaries in Job Interviews
Job interviews are supposed to be about your skills and what you can bring to the table. There are rules in place to protect you from questions that have nothing to do with your work.
Employment Laws Protecting Job Applicants
Laws exist to prevent employers from asking about things like your age, race, gender, religion, or family status. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is one organization that enforces these protections.
Employers should stick to questions about your ability to do the job. You never have to answer questions that don’t relate to the position.
Common Legal Pitfalls for Employers
Sometimes, interviewers ask illegal questions without realizing it. These can include questions about your age, family, spouse, or health history.
If you hear something that feels off, you can choose not to answer or gently remind the interviewer about what’s appropriate.
Responding Gracefully to Inappropriate Questions
It’s not unusual to get a question that feels too personal during an interview. Staying calm and polite helps you stay in control of the conversation.
Strategies for Redirecting the Conversation
If you’re faced with an inappropriate question, take a moment before responding. A simple, positive statement like, “I’d like to focus on how I can contribute to this role,” can help.
Keeping things professional shows confidence and helps steer the conversation back to your strengths. You’re always allowed to keep your personal information private and focus on what makes you the right person for the job.
When and How to Report Concerns
Job interviews can sometimes take a turn that feels uncomfortable or too personal. If you notice questions that cross a line, you have options on how to respond.
A one-time awkward question might just need a gentle redirection. When the behavior repeats or feels off, it helps to keep track of what was asked.
Write down the specific questions, the time, and who said them. This information can be useful if you decide to report the situation.
You can bring your concerns to HR or, in more serious cases, reach out to a legal agency. Everyone deserves an interview process that is fair and free from bias.
If you are not sure what to do, talking things over with a trusted mentor or career adviser can help you figure out your next steps.
