Interview questions you shouldn't be asked

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

We all know employers shouldn't discriminate during the hiring process, but it still happens. Most employers aren't out to get you, and these questions often come up during harmless small talk. Just be aware that whatever you choose to share with the employer may be used against you .

If you feel the interviewer ever crosses a line when asking you a question and you can't address their concern. Then the only thing left to say is I don't believe this question is relevant to assessing my suitability for this job.

Employers are often trying to answer underlying concerns they have when they ask you questions. When a question about one of the following topics is asked, it's important to address the concern behind the question and not the question itself. By staying silent you force the employer to guess your answer, and what they guess can often validate their concerns.

Age

Your age can usually be determined by looking at you or looking at your experience and education on your resume. If you're asked about your age the employer may be concerned about whether your old enough to work, how quickly you can learn the job, and if you're willing to learn and adapt, or if you're stuck in your ways.

To address the concerns behind this question talk about your willingness to learn, or the amount of experience your age brings.

Religion or Political views

Questions about your religion or political views shouldn't matter to the employer, unless you're applying for a job at a political or religious affiliated organisation. Concerns based around this topic are about your values. Will they make it difficult for you or prevent you from doing the job, and will your values create conflict with other employees or customers?

Assure the employer that your values won't interfere with your ability to do the job.

Family plans

Often small talk gets steered towards family. But family life and work life can have trouble co existing. Concerns about family life are often based around whether or not family commitments with interfere with your performance at work.

Reassure the employer that you have taken steps, such as childcare, so your family commitments won't affect your ability to do your job.

Debt

Now I doubt you would be asked if you have any debt. I can't see how it would be relevant in an interview other than a way to discriminate against you. But some people associate debt with poor planning. However there are many reasons why someone may be financial trouble. It isn't always their fault.

Family background

In addition to debt your parent's background is another question that can be discriminatory. It shouldn't matter what they do, where they came from, or how much money they make. What matters is your ability to do the job. However some people may discriminate based on someone's racial or economic backgrounds.

Disability

People are cautious about hiring disabled people because of a lack of understanding. They worry you won't be able to do the work, you'll cost them money, you'll injure yourself, or you'll need more time off than other employees. Don't think it's bad to discuss your disability, just make sure you're careful when you discuss it with the employer. You're free to talk about it as much or little as you want.

You wouldn't be applying for the job if you thought you couldn't do it. So show the employer how capable you are and why your disability won't be a problem for the company.

If during the interview process the employer makes you feel uncomfortable by what they say, or how they act. This might be an indication that this isn't a company you want to work for.

What questions have employers asked you that you thought were inappropriate. Share them in the comments.

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