If you have wondered why your prospective employer asked questions that you thought were strange, then you are not alone. A lot of people actually revealed that their employer has inquired things that are far irrelevant to their job. You may know by now because of the title, but there are actually a lot of questions you should not be asked about especially on a job interview.
This is backed up by the federal law which prohibits employers from asking any question that would seem irrelevant to the vacant position. Employers must only ask questions that are related to the vacancy, instead of gathering personal information.
Below are just some of the many illegal questions you should NOT be asked on a job interview.
- Where do you come from? (ethnicity)
- What is, perhaps, your sexual orientation?
- Which religion do you belong to?
- How often do you perform church services?
- Where were you conceived?
- What is your place of birth?
- What is your age?
- What are your disability or disabilities?
- How many children do you have?
- Are you married?
All the questions listed above won’t have any effect on how you can or will perform your job. Regardless, employers still tend to ask their potential employees these seemingly harmless but very personal inquiries. Your employer can ask you on ways you can get back and forth from your home to the office, because it is relevant to your job. If you are still confused as to why, it is because the management needs to know how you will be able to transport yourself and report to work daily. Your employer would want to know that you are capable of fulfilling your obligation every day or on your duty hours.
When it comes to whether or not you are married or you have children, these type of questions are irrelevant therefore illegal to be asked on a job hiring interview. Most adults have their own partner in life and most people have children. Employers are not allowed to discriminate just because an applicant has children or is married.
As a matter of fact, employers are not allowed to say anything derogatory or discriminate you in any way or form. Sadly, there are many good and reputable candidates that have been passed up only because they have been a victim of discrimination. Everyone must have equal odds at snatching a job opportunity regardless of the circumstance they are in.
If by chance you have been asked any of the illegal questions listed above, it may suit your best interest if you just turn down the job offer. Once the employer asks why, just tell them that the questions asked were too personal. If you do so, this may even let them be aware that they are actually treading shallow waters.
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