Jobs are a necessity for any individual. However, some companies engage in illegal behavior during the hiring process.
They may ask questions that are irrelevant or unlawful, motivated by apprehensions about the potential employees.
This article outlines examples of illegal job interview questions and provides suggested ways to handle and respond to such questions.
7 Examples of Illegal Job Interview Questions
Let’s review possible questions –
1. Disability or Chronic Illness: Questions about these aspects are unrelated to the job and should not be asked. However, if the job requires physical exertion, it is permissible to inquire about the person’s health and stamina.
2. Place of Birth: Although seemingly harmless, asking about a person’s place of birth is illegal as it can reveal their ethnicity, leading to discrimination.
3. Religion: Employers cannot discriminate based on religion, so any questions related to an applicant’s religious beliefs are prohibited.
4. Smoking or Drinking Alcohol: While smoking and alcohol consumption may have workplace implications, discriminating against someone based on their legal consumption is not acceptable. It is akin to discriminating against a non-meat eater.
5. Pregnancy: Questions about an applicant’s plans for pregnancy are illegal. Such inquiries are often made to avoid hiring women who may take maternity leave in the near future.
6. Marriage: Inquiring about an individual’s marital status falls under illegal territory. Discrimination based on marital status has been observed, making it imperative to refrain from asking this question.
7. Language: Questions about language proficiency may appear innocuous, but they can be used to gather information for discriminatory purposes. However, if language proficiency is essential for the job, answering the question becomes mandatory.
Handling and Answering Illegal Job Interview Questions
When faced with illegal questions, interviewees have three approaches to consider:
1. Answer the question: If you do not mind answering the question, providing a response is the simplest option. However, bear in mind that refusing to answer may limit opportunities with companies that frequently ask these questions.
2. Refuse to answer: While an option, refusing to answer the question is not advisable in all circumstances. Companies asking illegal questions are likely aware of their illegality, and not answering may only give you grounds for legal action.
3. Address the intention behind the question: Alternatively, if feasible, you can choose to answer not the question itself but the underlying intention. This approach allows you to navigate the situation more safely. You may seek clarification on the purpose before responding.
Remember, conducting an interview is not only a professional matter but also a responsibility towards fellow professionals. By being aware of these issues and responding appropriately, you can protect your rights and promote fair hiring practices.