Job interviewers typically ask questions like “Why do you want this job?” and “What are your greatest weaknesses?”
But what if the interviewer crosses the line with questions like “Do you have children?” and “How old are you?”
It will most likely leave you stunned.
However, you are actually not obligated to answer them. These questions are inappropriate and even considered illegal in other countries.
Here are five interview questions you should never have to answer, if an interviewer asks them anyway;
How old are you?
Job interviewers are welcome to dig into your work experience and education, but they shouldn’t ask about your age.
Chances are, an employer won’t ask you this question point-blank. But they could go about it in a subtle way, like asking when you graduated from high school or college. If you sense an interviewer is trying to root out your age, steer the conversation back toward your relevant skills and experiences.
Do you go to church?
This and similar questions like “What holidays do you celebrate?” and “What is your religious affiliation?” are used as sneaky inquiries into your religion or how and where you worship. Unless you are applying for a job at a church or faith-based organization, which may make hiring decisions based on religion, you shouldn’t have to answer these questions.
Are you married?
While an interviewer may seem like he is pleasantly making casual conversation while the interview is going well, fishing for information about a candidate’s family plans (marriage, engagement, and child planning) is illegal and discriminatory. This could also be a subtle way to find out about someone’s sexual orientation–another protected class–and job candidates are not obligated to disclose personal information.
Where are you from originally?
Even though your country of origin has no bearing on your ability to do the job, an interviewer may try to verify his or her assumptions with such a question. The legal way to ask the question is to ask whether a job candidate is legally allowed to work in the country.
How would you handle managing a team of all men?
Discriminatory questions about gender are common, yet nothing related to gender should be asked in the interview process. If an interviewer has concerns about a candidate’s ability to perform the job responsibilities, he or she needs to ask the candidate directly about those job duties. For example, “This job requires that you travel 30 percent of the time. Are there any restrictions that would prevent you from doing that?”
Final thoughts
Unfortunately, you might find yourself in an uncomfortable situation during a job interview. Some interviewers might disregard these anti-discrimination rules. Others might simply be unaware of illegal questions to ask in an interview. Some could just be making small talk without realizing the error of their ways.
If you still really want the job, you could simply say the question doesn’t affect your commitment to the position. Or, you could say you don’t feel comfortable sharing that part of your identity, but you’re happy to talk about other relevant experiences.
Do you have an upcoming interview? Would you like to convince an interviewer that you are the best candidate for the job? Book a one on one Interview coaching session today and get the chance to practice for the real interview!
https://jobcenterkenya.com/5-interview-questions-you-should-never-answer/
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