Job interviews should focus on your skills and qualifications, but some employers—whether due to bias or lack of training—ask questions that cross the legal line. In the U.S., anti-discrimination laws prohibit hiring managers from inquiring about personal details such as age, marital status, or religion.
While these questions shouldn’t be asked, they sometimes still come up. If you find yourself in this situation, knowing how to respond professionally can help you navigate the conversation without disclosing unnecessary personal information.
Here are five illegal interview questions and the best ways to handle them.
1. How Old Are You?
Employers cannot legally ask about your age or birth year. Sometimes, this question comes up if an interviewer perceives you as too young or too old for the role.
✔ How to Respond: Redirect the focus to your experience:
“I prefer to focus on my qualifications. I have [X] years of relevant experience in [industry/role], including [specific skills or achievements]. I’d be happy to elaborate.”
Pro Tip: Remove your birth date and graduation year from your résumé to minimize age-related bias.
2. Are You Married?
Marital status has no bearing on job performance, yet some employers ask about it to gauge financial stability, work-life balance, or future plans (such as having children).
✔ How to Respond: Set a boundary while keeping it professional:
“I prefer to keep my personal life private, but I’d love to discuss how my skills and experience align with this role.”
3. Do You Have Kids?
Employers may ask this question to assess your availability, but it’s illegal because it could lead to discrimination based on family status.
✔ How to Respond: Shift the focus back to your ability to meet job expectations:
“I’m fully committed to my professional responsibilities and excited about this opportunity. Let’s discuss how I can contribute to your team.”
4. Where Are You From?
Questions about national origin, accents, or first languages are off-limits. Even casual small talk like “Where’s your name from?” can be problematic if it hints at ethnicity.
✔ How to Respond: Keep it professional and steer the conversation back to your qualifications:
“I’m excited about the opportunity to work here. My background includes [relevant experience], and I’d love to discuss how I can bring value to the team.”
5. What’s Your Religion?
Employers cannot legally ask about religious beliefs or practices. However, you are allowed to ask about company policies on holidays or accommodations.
✔ How to Respond: Politely redirect if asked about religious affiliation:
“I prefer to keep personal beliefs private, but I’d love to discuss how my skills and experience align with this position.”
What to Do If You Face Illegal Questions
- Stay professional – Maintain composure and steer the conversation back to your qualifications.
- Document the incident – If questions persist, take note of what was asked and who conducted the interview.
- Report it if necessary – If you feel discriminated against, consider reporting the incident to HR or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Your skills, experience, and qualifications—not personal details—should determine your job prospects. Knowing your rights and how to respond to illegal interview questions can help you navigate the hiring process with confidence.
