What to Do When an Interviewer Asks an Illegal Question

Few moments in an interview feel more awkward than a question that catches you off guard. You might be asked about your age, your relationship status or whether you plan to have children. Suddenly you're unsure what to say. The good news is that you have options, and you can handle it calmly.

Why Illegal Interview Questions Feel So Uncomfortable

Some questions are off limits for employers. They tend to focus on personal traits, assumptions or prejudices rather than your ability to do the job. That's why they can leave you feeling flustered. The question has nothing to do with the role, so it throws you.

Most illegal interview questions follow similar patterns, no matter where you live. Whether you're in Sydney, Auckland or Toronto, the core idea stays the same. Knowing the common types helps you spot a problem early.

Tip One: Ask Why the Question Is Being Asked

Stay calm. Don't respond with anger or defensiveness. Instead, ask the interviewer to explain how the question relates to the role. A polite reply works well:

I'm happy to answer that, but could you help me understand how it relates to the role?

The interviewer may not realise the question is inappropriate. Asking for clarity gives them room to explain their thinking. You'll then know whether to answer, or whether to raise the issue.

Tip Two: Handle a Second Illegal Question

If a second improper question follows, be direct but respectful. Point out the pattern and ask again how it connects to your ability to do the job. For example:

This is the second question that seems unrelated to the role. It makes me uncomfortable. Could you explain how it connects to my ability to do the job?

Be ready to explain briefly why the question may be unlawful. A calm, measured response shows tact. It also shows you can handle a tricky situation professionally. Many interviewers respect that and take you more seriously.

Tip Three: Consider Who Is Asking

Think about the person across the table. Someone new to hiring may simply be making conversation. An experienced interviewer should know better. This matters for how you respond. A novice may welcome a gentle correction. A seasoned interviewer may need a firmer reply.

Tip Four: Answer Only What You Choose to Answer

Sometimes you may feel comfortable answering. That's your call. If you do, keep the focus on your suitability for the role. Share what reassures the employer about your performance and commitment. Keep it brief and relevant.

Remember, you decide whether a job suits you. You don't owe anyone personal details beyond what you choose to share.

Find Employers Who Already Want to Hear From You

The best protection against awkward interviews is finding the right employer from the start. Connectzapp helps you do that. Create a profile and enter the details of the job you're after. Connectzapp then ranks matching jobs, with the best fit at the top.

Swipe through each role, shortlist the ones you like, and contact those employers. When both sides express interest, a connection is made. Employers can see you're a strong match, so they want to talk to you.

Download Connectzapp from the App Store or Google Play, or visit Connectzapp.com to get started.

Your Practical Takeaway

Stay calm, ask why, and answer only what you're comfortable sharing. Keep the focus on the job. Good employers will respect that. Start by finding roles that fit you, and interviews become far easier.

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