24 Illegal Interview Questions & Answers
1. What is your nationality?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I am proud to say that both of my parents are from Iran. They immigrated in 1988 and we have carved successful lives here ever since. I am very proud of my heritage. What is your nationality?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am proud to say that both of my parents are from Iran. They immigrated in 1988 and we have carved successful lives here ever since. I am very proud of my heritage. What is your nationality?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
2. What race do you consider yourself?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I have never classified myself as a particular race nor have I found it to be important when applying for a job. What race do you consider yourself?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I have never classified myself as a particular race nor have I found it to be important when applying for a job. What race do you consider yourself?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
3. Are you married?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I have been happily married for 18 years. Are you married?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
4. Do you plan on having children?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"Children always seem like a great idea when you can give them back, right?! Do you have any children?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Children always seem like a great idea when you can give them back, right?! Do you have any children?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
5. Where were you born?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I was born on planet earth, just like everyone else! Am I that amazing that you think I'm from a far away planet? Just kidding, of course! Where were you born?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I was born on planet earth, just like everyone else! Am I that amazing that you think I'm from a far away planet? Just kidding, of course! Where were you born?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
6. What is your age?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"Age only matters for cheese, wine, and scotch! How old are you?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Age only matters for cheese, wine, and scotch! How old are you?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
7. Since you are in your early twenties, do you think you'll be able to handle this job?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"My age has never interfered with my ability to deliver a job well done. Do you feel that you do your job well, despite your age?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My age has never interfered with my ability to deliver a job well done. Do you feel that you do your job well, despite your age?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
8. Do you have any disabilities?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I read on your website that you are an equal opportunity employer which includes not asking that type of question in an interview. Would having a disability affect my ability to be offered this position?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I read on your website that you are an equal opportunity employer which includes not asking that type of question in an interview. Would having a disability affect my ability to be offered this position?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
9. Are you a Christian?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"From a young age I was taught manners from my parents. That includes never talking about religion and politics. Do you have any other faux pas you would like to get out of the way?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"From a young age I was taught manners from my parents. That includes never talking about religion and politics. Do you have any other faux pas you would like to get out of the way?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
10. What religion are you?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"From a young age I was taught manners from my parents. That includes never talking about religion and politics. Do you have any other faux pas you would like to get out of the way?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"From a young age I was taught manners from my parents. That includes never talking about religion and politics. Do you have any other faux pas you would like to get out of the way?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
11. Are you heterosexual?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I sure hope that my sexuality never comes into play here. I've worked so hard to get out of the sex industry. Just kidding! What is your sexuality?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I sure hope that my sexuality never comes into play here. I've worked so hard to get out of the sex industry. Just kidding! What is your sexuality?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
12. When do you think you'll get married?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"My mother keeps saying that I'll never get married if I keep working so much! When do you think you will get married?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My mother keeps saying that I'll never get married if I keep working so much! When do you think you will get married?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
13. I see you are engaged or married, do you plan on having children soon?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"OH - this wedding ring is just a fake that I wear to avoid unwanted advances. Just kidding! When do you plan to start repopulating the earth?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"OH - this wedding ring is just a fake that I wear to avoid unwanted advances. Just kidding! When do you plan to start repopulating the earth?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
14. What year did you graduate?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I graduated from University within the expected 4 year timeline. What year did you graduate?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I graduated from University within the expected 4 year timeline. What year did you graduate?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
15. How is your health?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"Thank you for your concern! Do I look ill? I was a bit nervous for the interview but I didn't realize I looked so pale."
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"Thank you for your concern! Do I look ill? I was a bit nervous for the interview but I didn't realize I looked so pale."
Written by Rachelle Enns
16. Do you observe any religious holidays?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"My favorite holidays to observe are National Bubble Bath Day and National Hangover Day. Are you okay if I observe those? Just kidding, of course. Do you observe any religious holidays?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My favorite holidays to observe are National Bubble Bath Day and National Hangover Day. Are you okay if I observe those? Just kidding, of course. Do you observe any religious holidays?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
17. Are you a social drinker?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"Are you asking me out for a drink?" (Said in a joking tone)
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
18. What is your native language?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I am a fluent in English; both written and oral. I am also pretty good in Pig Latin. What is your native language?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I am a fluent in English; both written and oral. I am also pretty good in Pig Latin. What is your native language?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
19. What is your birthday?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"I was born on the day my mother gave birth to me! Just kidding, of course. My birthday is August 2 (*do not provide the year). My astrological sign is Leo which means that I am loyal and a natural leader. When is your birthday?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"I was born on the day my mother gave birth to me! Just kidding, of course. My birthday is August 2 (*do not provide the year). My astrological sign is Leo which means that I am loyal and a natural leader. When is your birthday?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
20. Have you ever been arrested?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully.
"If you require me to complete a background check or criminal record check - I am happy to comply."
Please note: An arrest is different than a charge. Depending on the job, you may need to disclose any criminal charges but not arrests that did not result in a charge.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"If you require me to complete a background check or criminal record check - I am happy to comply."
Written by Rachelle Enns
21. What type of discharge did you receive from the military?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"My military discharge is confidential information. Am I the first veteran you have ever interviewed?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My military discharge is confidential information. Am I the first veteran you have ever interviewed?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
22. Have you had any recent illnesses?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"My wife might tell you that I have dementia from time to time but other that that, I have no formal concerns. Are you often diagnosed by your spouse like I am?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My wife might tell you that I have dementia from time to time but other that that, I have no formal concerns. Are you often diagnosed by your spouse like I am?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
23. What is the date of your last your last medical exam?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"My health is very important to me and I'm sure to visit my doctor regularly. Why do you ask? Would you like a referral?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My health is very important to me and I'm sure to visit my doctor regularly. Why do you ask? Would you like a referral?"
Written by Rachelle Enns
24. What is your height and weight?
How to Answer
The interviewer should never ask this question but you can choose to play along or you can opt out of the answer tactfully. Asking a question in return is a very smart way to show the interviewer that the question is entirely inappropriate without having to say so in a point-blank manner.
Here are 2 options:
"My height and weight is information only my doctor and mother will know. Care to share yours?"
OR
"Oh wow, I have never been asked that question in an interview. How is this relevant to the position?"
Please note: If you are asked this question, you are within your rights to leave the interview and make an official complaint to the company's HR department or to your local labor standards board. Do not worry about blowing the interview. You do not want to work for such an irresponsible organization.
Written by Rachelle Enns
Answer Example
"My height and weight is information only my doctor and mother will know. Care to share yours?"
Written by Rachelle Enns