Did you know that you don’t have to answer every question that is asked in an interview? The interview gives the employer and the applicant a chance to learn as much as possible about each other, but this does not mean that you are obliged to reveal all the ins and outs.
As in any professional meeting, there are certain rules that must be observed in the interview. But still, some interviewers sometimes do not realize that they allow themselves too much or simply ignore this fact. Therefore, you should know that you are not required to answer questions that are inappropriate or even illegal. Here are some of them.
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Age
All the employer needs to know is that you are over 18. But most often, such questions are asked to weed out candidates over a certain threshold. It’s age discrimination, and it’s definitely illegal.
Religion
Questions like “Do you believe in God?” Most of the time, they have absolutely nothing to do with employment. You can answer: ” I prefer not to discuss religion, but I can guarantee that this will not affect my work in any way.”
Children
Questions about the presence, age, and a number of children are most often asked to women, since young children are more likely to get sick, which means frequent hospitalizations of parents and, accordingly, absence from work. Also, the absence of children may alert the employer, because the candidate may go on maternity leave.
Bad habits
Questions about smoking and drinking are completely inappropriate when applying for a job. How you spend your personal time should not be the concern of the employer.
Health
For some positions, health and fitness are of direct importance. But, in general, your health and your condition are things that you have the right not to discuss if you do not want to.
Nationality
Questions about nationality and ethnic origin have nothing to do with employment and are discriminatory. Do not answer.
In addition to the above questions, which simply scream their inappropriateness, you also have the right not to answer all questions that seem offensive to you, for example: Are you regularly late for work in the morning? Are you planning to get pregnant in the near future? Are you sick often? How much do you weigh? Do you have debts? All of these questions can be answered simply: “I don’t think this question is appropriate for determining my suitability for this position.”
