If an interviewer asks something improper
Some questions touch on personal characteristics that should not decide whether you are hired. Here is how to respond calmly and keep the focus on the job.
General information only — not legal advice. Rules differ by state and city. This page is awaiting the owner's legal review.
Questions that can be improper
- Your age or date of birth (other than whether you meet a legal minimum age for the job).
- Whether you have, or plan to have, children; your marital status.
- Where you or your family come from; your religion; a disability or medical history.
US federal law prohibits employment decisions based on protected characteristics; the official overview is linked below.
Ways to respond
- Answer the job-related need behind the question: "I'm available for the schedule this role requires."
- Redirect politely: "I'd like to focus on how my experience fits this role."
- You may decline to answer, or ask how the question relates to the job. You can choose how much health, family or origin detail to share; this page does not decide whether a particular question is lawful.
Afterwards
- Write down what was asked, when and by whom.
- Official guidance and how to raise a concern: U.S. EEOC — Prohibited employment policies and practices .