Last week, I read “When Job-Interview Questions Become Too Personal“ in The Wall Street Journal. After reading the article and comments, I got to thinking about what I would do or say if I were in that situation. Before this article, I have never heard of this topic (or have heard of it once and stored it somewhere in my mental file). Like myself, some Gen Y job seekers may not know of these illegal questions, the rights they have as job seekers and how to answer such questions.

What makes an interview question illegal?

Questions that are about your age, religion, race, nationality, sexual preference, marital and family status, health, or political affiliation are illegal for an interviewer to ask you during an interview. If you filled out a formal application form or were offered a job, you will have to provide information for a few of these questions. However, during an interview, questions should be about the job, company and what you can offer to them as a potential employee.

What to do if asked

First thing is to stay calm and professional. You can answer the question a few ways:

1. Refuse to answer the question. Ask the interviewer how the question is about the job opening or let them know that you are uncomfortable answering the question and that it was inappropriate. However, do not use the word “illegal” in your statement.


2. Answer a question with a question. Turn the question into a way to show the interviewer that it not an appropriate question to ask and getting the company’s concerns at the same time. For example, if they ask about your family status, ask the interviewer if they are concerned you will not be able to work overtime.


3. Answer the question — in the way it should have been asked. For example, if they asked if you are a U.S. citizen, answer that you are authorized to work in the United States. It is ok to provide truthful information to these questions. However, know that your answers could either hinder or help your chances of getting the position.

Remember you are interviewing the company as much as they are interviewing you. Be watchful of the professionalism displayed during your interview. Prepare for all questions that could be asked during your next interview, including the illegal questions. For a list of these questions, read JobWeb’s article on interviews and WiseBread’s “How to recognize and answer illegal interview questions.”

Have you been in this situation? How did you handle the interview?