Interview Questions that Shouldn't be Asked

To help you prepare for your job interview, here are 24 interview questions that are illegal (in most places) for an interviewer to ask.

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Question 16 of 24

Do you observe any religious holidays?

How to Answer
Answer Example

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.

"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?"

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How to Answer: Do you observe any religious holidays?

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

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