Illegal Questions
There are certain things that an interviewer cannot ask you. Regardless, you will probably not get the job if you say “That’s an illegal question, I refuse to answer it.” The best solution is often to address the root of the question and sidestep the answer.
Remember, sometimes an interviewer will ask a question because of inexperience, not because of a discriminatory habit. Also remember that the interviewer does not reflect the whole company to which you are applying.
Here are two sample questions that are illegal because they are discriminatory, and some possible responses.
Are you planning on having children?
For this question, you can simply answer no. If you get the job and then choose to have children, the company cannot penalize your for it.
An alternative response where you might not have to lie outright would be, “Regardless of my family situation, I intend to be a dedicated career-oriented worker.”
When were you born?
You can choose not to answer the question.
Alternatively, you could partly answer the question by saying, “Although I might be younger than your average applicant, this works in your advantage. Having recently finished school means that I am on the cutting edge of new technological innovations in the field. My age also means that I am also enthusiastic and willing to work hard.” Conversely, you might answer “My age will be an advantage to you because I have years of experience in the field. I have worked in varying departments, and so have a good sense of how a company runs as a synthesized whole rather than as independent parts. I will be a positive mentor to younger members in the department in this leadership role.”
Questions on Disabilities
Your interviewer cannot ask you direct questions about your disability. However, the interviewer can ask what the company would need to do to accommodate your needs. You might also be asked how you would respond in a situation that would occur during your daily needs. For more information on what can and cannot be asked at interviews, visit your government’s website.
