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 19 of 24

What is your birthday?

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:

"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.

"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?"

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How to Answer: What is your birthday?

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

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