Job interviews are not supposed to be designed to catch you out. But this can end up being the case if you are asked an inappropriate or clumsy question, or one that is completely off topic. That said, don’t beat yourself up about it, it’s not your fault. The fact of being in a position of inferiority, such as happens in a job interview, doesn’t necessarily make you inferior. Don’t allow yourself to be walked over if your future employer asks you one of the questions on this list. Be aware that you have the right not to respond.
1/ Are you married?
Your employer is a little too curious. Cut it short.
2/ Are you in good health?
Do they know anything about confidentiality? Your potential employer has no right to ask whether you are unwell during a job interview. This is considered discrimination.
3/ What is your sexual orientation?
Obviously, you shouldn’t respond to this question! Any employer who asks this question has something genuinely wrong with them. Run for the hills.
4/ Are you religious / what is your religion?
Whether you are Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Atheist or Buddhist, it is your own business.
5/ What are your political affiliations?
Your employer wants to know who he is dealing with: are you left wing or right wing? Your politics are none of his business.
6/ Are you pregnant, or are you planning a family in the near future?
If your pregnancy is not yet showing (or even if it is), be aware that nobody is allowed to ask you about this in an interview. Even if the subject of children is often broached, on principal, they do not have the right to discriminate against you on these grounds. Your private life is your private life!
