What is your nationality?

"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?"

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.

What race do you consider yourself?

"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?"

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.

"I have been happily married for 18 years. Are you married?"

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.

Do you plan on having children?

"Children always seem like a great idea when you can give them back, right?! Do you have any children?"

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.

"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?"

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.

"Age only matters for cheese, wine, and scotch! How old are you?"

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.

Since you are in your early twenties, do you think you'll be able to handle this job?

"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?"

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.

Do you have any disabilities?

"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?"

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.

"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?"

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.

What religion are you?

"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?"

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.

Are you heterosexual?

"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?"

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.

When do you think you'll get married?

"My mother keeps saying that I'll never get married if I keep working so much! When do you think you will get married?"

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.

I see you are engaged or married, do you plan on having children soon?

"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?"

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.

What year did you graduate?

"I graduated from University within the expected 4 year timeline. What year did you graduate?"

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.

"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."

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.

Do you observe any religious holidays?

"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?"

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.

Are you a social drinker?

"Are you asking me out for a drink?"

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.

What is your native language?

"I am a fluent in English; both written and oral. I am also pretty good in Pig Latin. What is your native language?"

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.

What is your birthday?

"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?"

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.

Have you ever been arrested?

"If you require me to complete a background check or criminal record check - I am happy to comply."

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.

What type of discharge did you receive from the military?

"My military discharge is confidential information. Am I the first veteran you have ever interviewed?"

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.

Have you had any recent illnesses?

"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?"

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.

What is the date of your last your last medical exam?

"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?"

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.

What is your height and weight?

"My height and weight is information only my doctor and mother will know. Care to share yours?"

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.

Illegal Interview Questions

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1. What is your nationality?
2. What race do you consider yourself?
3. Are you married?
4. Do you plan on having children?
5. Where were you born?
6. What is your age?
7. Since you are in your early twenties, do you think you'll be able to handle this job?
8. Do you have any disabilities?
9. Are you a Christian?
10. What religion are you?
11. Are you heterosexual?
12. When do you think you'll get married?
13. I see you are engaged or married, do you plan on having children soon?
14. What year did you graduate?
15. How is your health?
16. Do you observe any religious holidays?
17. Are you a social drinker?
18. What is your native language?
19. What is your birthday?
20. Have you ever been arrested?
21. What type of discharge did you receive from the military?
22. Have you had any recent illnesses?
23. What is the date of your last your last medical exam?
24. What is your height and weight?

Illegal Interview Questions

1. What is your nationality?

2. What race do you consider yourself?

3. Are you married?

4. Do you plan on having children?

5. Where were you born?

6. What is your age?

7. Since you are in your early twenties, do you think you'll be able to handle this job?

8. Do you have any disabilities?

9. Are you a Christian?

10. What religion are you?

11. Are you heterosexual?

12. When do you think you'll get married?

13. I see you are engaged or married, do you plan on having children soon?

14. What year did you graduate?

15. How is your health?

16. Do you observe any religious holidays?

17. Are you a social drinker?

18. What is your native language?

19. What is your birthday?

20. Have you ever been arrested?

21. What type of discharge did you receive from the military?

22. Have you had any recent illnesses?

23. What is the date of your last your last medical exam?

24. What is your height and weight?