Operational Illegal Interview Questions & Answers:

1. Which questions are asked about credit?

A prospective employer cannot ask about your financial status or credit rating during the course of an interview. There are limited exceptions to this, if you are applying for certain financial and banking positions.

2. Why was a gap in your employment?

If you were unemployed for a period of time, be direct and to the point about what you've been up to (and hopefully, that's a litany of impressive volunteer and other mind-enriching activities, like blogging or taking classes). Then, steer the conversation toward how you will do the job and contribute to the organization: "I decided to take a break at the time, but today I'm ready to contribute to this organization in the following ways.

3. Which questions are asked about Military discharge?

An interviewer may ask questions relating to the branch of military in which you served, and your attained rank. It is also legal to ask about any education or experience relating to the position to which you are applying.

You may not be asked about your type of discharge, or about your military records. Questions relating to foreign military service are forbidden as well. If you choose to answer these questions, you can indicate that there is nothing in your records that would impair your ability to succeed in the job.

4. Which questions are asked about Religion?

During an interview, an interviewer can ask if you are able to work during the normal hours of operation of the business.

An interviewer cannot ask your religious affiliation, or holidays that you observe. It is illegal to be asked your place of worship, or your beliefs. If you are asked questions of this kind, you may reply that your faith will not interfere with your ability to do the job.

5. Which questions are asked about family status?

Interviewer can ask questions regarding whether you are able to meet work schedules, or travel for the position. He can ask about how long you expect to stay at a particular job, or with the prospective firm. Whether you anticipate any extended absences can also be asked.

An interviewer can't ask your marital status, if you have children, what your child care situation is, or if you intend to have children (or more children). You cannot be asked about your spouse's occupation or salary. If you choose to answer a question of this kind, a graceful way to answer is to say that you are able to perform all the duties that the position entails.

6. Which questions are asked about gender?

In a face to face interview, it is unlikely that an interviewer will not know your gender, but important that your gender not be taken into account in her assessment of your ability to do the job. You can't be asked your gender during any kind of interview for a position, unless it directly relates to your qualifications for a job, such as an attendant in a rest room, or locker room.

7. Which questions are asked about disability?

Interviewer may ask questions pertaining to your ability to perform specific tasks, such as "Are you able to safely lift and carry items weighing up to 30 pounds?", or "This position requires standing for the length of your shift, are you able to do that comfortably?" or "Are you able to sit comfortably for the duration of your shift?"

Under no circumstances is a prospective employer allowed to ask your height, weight, or any details regarding any physical or mental limitations you may have, except as they directly relate to the job requirements. If you choose to reply, you can state "I am confident that I will be able to handle the requirements of this position."

8. Which questions are asked about criminal record?

During an interview, an interviewer can legally ask about any convicted crimes that relate to the job duties. For example, if you are interviewing for a position that requires handling money or merchandise, you can legally be asked if you have ever been convicted of theft.

During an interview, you cannot be asked about arrests without convictions, or involvement in any political demonstrations. You may choose to tell the interviewer simply, "There is nothing in my past which would affect my ability to perform the duties of this job."

9. Which questions are asked about ancestry?

There are few questions legal to ask relating to ancestry and race which are pertinent to employment. During an interview, you may legally be asked,
"How many languages are you fluent in?",
or
"Are you legally eligible to work in this country?"

10. How you should respond when you are asked an illegal question?

If you are asked an illegal interview question, you always have the option to end the interview, or refuse to answer the question(s). It may be uncomfortable to do, but you need to be comfortable working at the company, and if the questions you are being asked during the interview are indicative of the company's policies, you may be better off finding out now.

Sometimes an interviewer will ask inappropriate questions accidentally, and in that case, you may choose to answer them politely, avoiding the substance of the question, but addressing the intent.