Illegal Interview Questions

Master 24 questions about illegal interview topics and learn how to respond professionally.

Question 18 of 24

What is your native language?

  • How to Answer

  • Example Answer

  • Community Answers

Rachelle Enns
Rachelle Enns

Rachelle Enns is an interview coach and job search expert. She works with candidates to perform their best in employment, medical, and post-secondary admission interviews.

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.